1
|
Christoloukas N, Mitsea A, Rontogianni A, Papadakis E, Angelopoulos C. Evaluation of Bitemark Analysis's Potential Application in Forensic Identification: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1180. [PMID: 38893706 PMCID: PMC11171794 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14111180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Bitemark analysis involves the examination of both patterned injuries and contextual circumstances, combining morphological and positional data. Considering the uniqueness of human dentition, bitemarks caused by teeth on skin or impressions on flexible surfaces could assist in human identification. AIMS to investigate the available literature systematically and evaluate the scientific evidence published over the past decade concerning the potential application of bitemark analysis in forensic identification. METHODS Two researchers meticulously searched electronic databases from January 2012 to December 2023, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Adhering to the PRISMA statement guidelines, this review employed appropriate medical subject headings (MeSHs) and free-text synonyms. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied during article retrieval. RESULTS The findings yielded controversial outcomes. Approximately two-thirds of the articles concluded that bitemark analysis is useful in forensic identification, while the remaining articles did not report statistically significant outcomes and cautioned against relying solely on bitemark analysis for identification. CONCLUSIONS The authors assert that bitemark analysis can be a reliable and complementary method for forensic identification, contingent upon the establishment and adoption of a universally accepted global protocol for data collection, processing, and interpretation. Undoubtedly, recent years have witnessed a notable increase in research focused on bitemark identification, driven by the goal of achieving quantitative, objective, reproducible, and accurate results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Christoloukas
- Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Mitsea
- Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Aliki Rontogianni
- Division of Dental Technology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Papadakis
- Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Angelopoulos
- Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Using the iPhone's LiDAR technology to capture 3D forensic data at crime and crash scenes. FORENSIC IMAGING 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fri.2023.200535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
3
|
Reesu GV, Brown NL. Application of 3D imaging and selfies in forensic dental identification. J Forensic Leg Med 2022; 89:102354. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
4
|
Johnson A, Jani G, Carew R, Pandey A. Assessment of the accuracy of 3D printed teeth by various 3D printers in forensic odontology. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 328:111044. [PMID: 34653828 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Additive manufacturing technology has benefited many sectors, and its use in forensic sciences has opened up a variety of new opportunities for analysing and exhibiting forensic materials. However, to perform analytical procedures on 3D printed bones and teeth in forensic odontology, the metric and morphological precision of the printed replicas must first be validated. To address this, the present study was undertaken using 12 extracted human teeth that were 3D printed using five different techniques. Manual measurements and a digital mesh comparison were used to evaluate the metric precision of all samples. The findings showed that the printed replicas were accurate to within 0.5 mm of the actual teeth. It was suggested that Digital Light Processing (DLP) prints be used for potential forensic odontology applications based on measurements, digital comparison, and ease of use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Johnson
- Laboratory of Forensic Odontology, School of Forensic Science, National Forensic Sciences University, Gujarat, India.
| | - Gargi Jani
- Laboratory of Forensic Odontology, School of Forensic Science, National Forensic Sciences University, Gujarat, India.
| | - Rachael Carew
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, UK; UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, UK.
| | - Astha Pandey
- School of Forensic Science, National Forensic Sciences University, Gujarat, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Beyond the visible spectrum - applying 3D multispectral full-body imaging to the VirtoScan system. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2021; 17:565-576. [PMID: 34533694 PMCID: PMC8629877 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-021-00420-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Multispectral photography offers a wide range of applications for forensic investigations. It is commonly used to detect latent evidence and to enhance the visibility of findings. Additionally, three-dimensional (3D) full-body documentation has become much easier and more affordable in recent years. However, the benefits of performing 3D imaging beyond the visible (VIS) spectrum are not well known, and the technique has not been widely used in forensic medical investigations. A multicamera setup was used to employ multispectral photogrammetry between 365 and 960 nm in postmortem investigations. The multicamera setup included four modified digital cameras, ultraviolet (UV) and near-infrared (NIR) light sources and supplemental lens filters. Full-body documentation was performed in conjunction with the use of a medical X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanner to automate the imaging procedure. Textured 3D models based on multispectral datasets from four example cases were reconstructed successfully. The level of detail and overall quality of the 3D reconstructions varied depending on the spectral range of the image data. Generally, the NIR datasets showed enhanced visibility of vein patterns and specific injuries, whereas the UV-induced datasets highlighted foreign substances on the skin. Three-dimensional multispectral full-body imaging enables the detection of latent evidence that is invisible to the naked eye and allows visualization, documentation and analysis of evidence beyond the VIS spectrum.
Collapse
|
6
|
Einsatz der Epiphanoskopie am Beispiel rechtsmedizinischer Obduktionen. Rechtsmedizin (Berl) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00194-021-00524-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
7
|
Vilborn P, Bernitz H. A systematic review of 3D scanners and computer assisted analyzes of bite marks: searching for improved analysis methods during the Covid-19 pandemic. Int J Legal Med 2021; 136:209-217. [PMID: 34302214 PMCID: PMC8302460 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02667-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The global Covid-19 pandemic has forced forensic dentists to improve infection control methods. This search investigated the practical utilization of different 3D scanners to record and to analyze bite marks in the skin- and inanimate objects with this aim in mind. A systematic review of the literature using keywords like "human bite mark", "bite mark analyzes", "3D analyzes", "3D scanning", "forensic odontology", and "forensic dentistry" was performed in three scientific databases: MEDLINEOvid®, Pubmed® and Google Scholar. The initial search yielded 263 full-text articles, of which 15 were considered eligible and current within the last 10 years. 3D scanners and computer-assisted human bite mark analyzes showed potential advantages and can be effectively used in forensic odontology on skin and inanimate objects. These technologies minimize the number of people being exposed to pathogens, simplify the chain of evidence, facilitate immediate information exchange between the team members and enable the virtual presentation of the expert witnesses in a court of law.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piret Vilborn
- Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, PO Box 1266, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
| | - Herman Bernitz
- Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, PO Box 1266, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Virtual anthropology? Reliability of three-dimensional photogrammetry as a forensic anthropology measurement and documentation technique. Int J Legal Med 2020; 135:939-950. [PMID: 33244707 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02473-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Osseous remains provide forensic anthropologists with morphological and osteometric information that can be used in building a biological profile. By conducting a visual and physical examination, an anthropologist can infer information such as the sex and age of the deceased. Traditionally, morphological and osteometric information is gathered by physically handling remains for analysis. With the advancement of digital technology, there has been a shift from direct to indirect methods of analysis by utilizing models generated from three-dimensional (3D) imaging, which includes computed tomography (CT) scanning and 3D photogrammetry. Although CT scanning is more common, photogrammetry has found application in a range of fields such as architecture, geography and road accident reconstruction. The application of modern-day photogrammetry for forensic anthropology purposes, however, has not been discussed extensively. The aim of this research was to validate the accuracy of 3D models generated by photogrammetry by comparing them to both 3D models generated by CT scanning and the actual physical models. In this study, six 3D models were created using photogrammetry (n = 3) and CT scanning (n = 3). The 3D models were generated from three different Bone Clone® human skulls. A mobile phone camera was used to capture images, which were then processed in Agisoft Metashape®. Intrarater, interrater, and intermethod reliability tests gave correlation coefficients of at least 0.9980, 0.9871, and 0.9862, respectively; rTEM results ranged from 0.250 to 6.55%; and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) yielded P values under 0.05 for all measurements except one. Statistical tests therefore showed photogrammetry to be a reliable and accurate alternative to more expensive CT scanning approaches.
Collapse
|
9
|
Sieberth T, Ebert LC, Gentile S, Fliss B. Clinical forensic height measurements on injured people using a multi camera device for 3D documentation. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2020; 16:586-594. [PMID: 32656642 PMCID: PMC7669809 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-020-00282-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Documenting the existence, size, position and shape of injuries is an important part of medical forensic examinations. In the photography of an injury, the documentation is limited to an approximation of size and position of the injury based on a ruler included in the image. The documentation of injuries can be improved with photogrammetry, which allows the creation of scaled 3D models of an injury that can be used to not only document and visualize the injury but also to match the injury with an injury-causing object. In this paper, the multicamera device “Botscan” was used to perform 3D whole-body documentation and measure the positions of injuries. A major advantage of 3D whole-body documentation compared to photography is that the former can be performed at a later stage of the investigation. This makes the whole-body 3D documentation of injuries an important tool for re-examination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Till Sieberth
- 3D Zentrum Zurich, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland. .,Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Lars C Ebert
- 3D Zentrum Zurich, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland.,Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Simon Gentile
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Fliss
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Putrino A, Bruti V, Enrico M, Costantino C, Ersilia B, Gabriella G. Intraoral Scanners in Personal Identification of Corpses: Usefulness and Reliability of 3D Technologies in Modern Forensic Dentistry. Open Dent J 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1874210602014010305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims:
This study aims to verify the applicability of modern dental technologies and their related principles of use to the forensic sciences in the field of personal identification.
Background:
Personal identification has always had a major role in many legal and administrative actions regarding both living and death beings. The techniques used are much less advanced than the technologies potentially available.
Objective:
Modern technologies, available to the daily dental clinic practice, as intraoral scanners, combined in particular to the specialist skill in orthodontics, can help redefine the methods of personal identification according to the levels of accuracy, trueness and feasibility greater than those applied in traditional forensic dentistry.
Methods:
23 corpses (12F;11M) have been selected for intraoral scanning with the Carestream 3500® digital device. The superimposition of initial and late digital models, digital models and radiographs (orthopantomography and full mouth periapical films) has been evaluated to verify the stability of some structures as palatal rugae after death and to assess intraoral scanning as a successful comparative method between antemortem and post-mortem records (digital models or radiographs). Obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis by the t-student test and X-square test with Yates correction (p<0.05).
Results:
After death, palatal rugae significatively change especially in mouths with restorations/prosthesis/missing teeth. The percentages of correct matching between scans and radiographs are very higher (up 90%; p<0.05).
Conclusion:
This study has been set up to study and develop new, reliable and fast methods of personal identification that can surpass many of the issues seen with the other techniques by a modern rugoscopy, a modern radiographic-digital comparison and virtual oral autopsy.
Collapse
|
11
|
Putrino A, Bruti V, Enrico M, Costantino C, Ersilia B, Gabriella G. Intraoral Scanners in Personal Identification of Corpses: Usefulness and Reliability of 3D Technologies in Modern Forensic Dentistry. Open Dent J 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1874210602014010255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims:
This study aims to verify the applicability of modern dental technologies and their related principles of use to the forensic sciences in the field of personal identification.
Background:
Personal identification has always had a major role in many legal and administrative actions regarding both living and death beings. The techniques used are much less advanced than the technologies potentially available.
Objective:
Modern technologies, available to the daily dental clinic practice, as intraoral scanners, combined in particular to the specialist skill in orthodontics, can help redefine the methods of personal identification according to the levels of accuracy, trueness and feasibility greater than those applied in traditional forensic dentistry.
Methods:
23 corpses (12F;11M) have been selected for intraoral scanning with the Carestream 3500® digital device. The superimposition of initial and late digital models, digital models and radiographs (orthopantomography and full mouth periapical films) has been evaluated to verify the stability of some structures as palatal rugae after death and to assess intraoral scanning as a successful comparative method between antemortem and post-mortem records (digital models or radiographs). Obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis by the t-student test and X-square test with Yates correction (p<0.05).
Results:
After death, palatal rugae significatively change especially in mouths with restorations/prosthesis/missing teeth. The percentages of correct matching between scans and radiographs are very higher (up 90%; p<0.05).
Conclusion:
This study has been set up to study and develop new, reliable and fast methods of personal identification that can surpass many of the issues seen with the other techniques by a modern rugoscopy, a modern radiographic-digital comparison and virtual oral autopsy.
Collapse
|
12
|
Kurniawan A, Yodokawa K, Kosaka M, Ito K, Sasaki K, Aoki T, Suzuki T. Determining the effective number and surfaces of teeth for forensic dental identification through the 3D point cloud data analysis. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s41935-020-0181-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The assimilation between three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques and dental forensic science can provide rich and stable information for human identification. This study aimed to determine the effective number and surfaces of teeth for dental identification through the 3D imaging approach.
Material and methods
In the present study, maxillary dental casts were fabricated from subjects who met the inclusion criteria and scanned using a 3D scanner Vivid 910. Rapidform XOS/SCAN software was used to create and trim the 3D point cloud data. Subsequently, two types of 3D surface data of dental casts were registered and the root mean square errors (RMSEs) between subjects were calculated using iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm in MATLAB. Two sets of experiments with 120 combinations of the superimposed 3D dataset were designed, termed as experiments 1 and 2.
Results
In experiment 1, the difference between subjects was clearly distinguished with a minimum of six teeth of the dental arch. The results of experiment 2 suggest that the labial surfaces of the anterior teeth are sufficient to be used for dental identification.
Conclusion
Through these experiments for all possible pairs of subjects, a clear difference was observed in the RMSE between the genuine and imposter pairs. These results indicate the potential of using the 3D imaging technique to achieve highly accurate human identification. It is suggested that a future study with a larger sample number will evaluate the robustness and accuracy of this method.
Collapse
|
13
|
A toolbox for the rapid prototyping of crime scene reconstructions in virtual reality. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 305:110006. [PMID: 31706054 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.110006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Virtual reality is recently finding its way in forensic work. The required 3D data is nowadays a standard dataset available in many cases, from homicide to traffic collisions, including not only data from the scene but also of weaponry and involved persons. Current investigations use these 3D data to replicated the incident and as discussion base for forensic personal. However, modifying the scene on a 2D viewport is often cumbersome due to the loss of the third dimension. Also to perform the modifications on the scene a 3D operator is often required. Virtual reality might improve this step by its easy use and by visualising the third dimension. This publication presents a variety of tools which can be used in forensic investigations. Additionally to the tools, examples of forensic use of these tools will be presented, showing that already a small number of tools support a variety of forensic applications.
Collapse
|
14
|
Kottner S, Schaerli S, Fürst M, Ptacek W, Thali M, Gascho D. VirtoScan-on-Rails - an automated 3D imaging system for fast post-mortem whole-body surface documentation at autopsy tables. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2019; 15:198-212. [PMID: 30850988 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-019-00095-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Two-dimensional photographic documentation is a substantial part of post-mortem examinations for legal investigations. Additional three-dimensional surface documentation has been shown to assist in the visualization of findings and contribute to the reconstruction of the sequence of events. However, 2D photo documentation and, especially, 3D surface documentation, are time-consuming procedures that require specially trained personnel. In this study a 3D imaging system, called VirtoScan-on-Rails, was developed to automate and facilitate 3D surface documentation for photo documentation in autopsy suites. The imaging system was built to quickly acquire photogrammetric image sets of whole bodies during different stages of external and internal examinations. VirtoScan-on-Rails was set up in the autopsy suite of the Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine at the University of Zurich (Zurich, Switzerland). The imaging system is based on a movable frame that carries a multi-camera array. Data quality and the applicability of the system were analyzed and evaluated within two test series. Up to 200 overlapping photographic images were acquired at consecutive image-capturing positions over a distance of approximately 2000 mm. The image-capturing process took 1 min and 23 s to acquire a set of 200 images for one side of the body. During test series one and two, 53 photogrammetric image sets taken from 31 forensic cases were successfully reconstructed. VirtoScan-on-Rails is an automated, fast and easy-to-use 3D imaging setup for autopsy suits. It facilitates documenting bodies during different stages of forensic examinations and allows standardizing the procedure of photo documentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sören Kottner
- Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Sarah Schaerli
- Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Fürst
- Austrian Center for Medical Innovation and Technology, ACMIT Gmbh, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Ptacek
- Austrian Center for Medical Innovation and Technology, ACMIT Gmbh, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Michael Thali
- Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominic Gascho
- Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Koller S, Ebert LC, Martinez RM, Sieberth T. Using virtual reality for forensic examinations of injuries. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 295:30-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
16
|
An exploratory study toward the contribution of 3D surface scanning for association of an injury with its causing instrument. Int J Legal Med 2018; 133:1167-1176. [PMID: 30506239 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-018-1973-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
3D surface scanning is a technique brought forward for wound documentation and analysis in order to identify injury-causing tools in legal medicine and forensic science. Although many case reports have been published, little is known about the methodology employed by the authors. The study reported here is exploratory in nature, and its main purpose was to get a first evaluation of the ability of an operator, by means of 3D surface scanning and following a simple methodology, to correctly exclude or associate an incriminated tool as the source of a mock wound. Based on these results, an assessment of the possibility to define a structured methodology that could be suitable for this use was proposed. Blunt tools were used to produce 'wounds' on watermelons. Both wounds and tools were scanned with a non-contact optical surface 3D digitising system. Analysis of the obtained 3D models of wounds and tools was undertaken separately. This analytical phase was followed by a qualitative and a quantitative comparison. Results showed that in more than half of the cases, we obtained a correct association but the prevalence of wrong association was still high due to mark deformation and other limitations. Even if the findings of this exploratory study cannot be generalised, they suggest that the simple and direct comparison process is not reliable enough for a systematic routine application. The article highlights the importance of an analysis phase preceding the comparison step. Limitations of the technique, ensuring needs and possible paths for improvement are also expounded.
Collapse
|
17
|
Corte-Real A, Pedrosa D, Saraiva J, Caetano C, Vieira DN. Tri-dimensional pattern analysis of foodstuff bitemarks - A pilot study of tomographic database. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 288:304-309. [PMID: 29843082 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The analysis of bitemarks has been mostly done through analogical methods. The advent of current technologies brings new and more reliable tools for analyzing evidence. Bitemarks can now be turned into more consistent evidence by using a digital tridimensional (3D) analysis. The aim of this study is to propose a reliable, accurate and monitorized approach of 3D bitemark analysis. 12 cranium Cone Beam Computed Tomographic (CBCT) files were randomly selected from a clinical database (Coimbra Hospital and University Center/Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra). The individuals were recalled to bite an apple (golden delicious 65/80) immediately subjected to a CBCT scan. The 3D rendering of every bitemark was compared with the 3D upper dental arches obtained from the CBCT cranium scans of the simulated suspects. The research team was composed by 5 elements. The matching process consists of corresponding landmark points, in both the bitemark and the suspects' dentition (upper dental arch). 144 comparisons were obtained. The Kappa statistics analysis was performed. Cohen's Kappa values were obtained between 0,690 and 0,910. Fleiss Kappa obtained a value of 0,767. The Friedman's test was performed and the normality assumption was not verified (p>0,05). A non-destructive protocol of bitemark study by 3D analysis of tomographic volumes was presented. The statistic analysis supports its accuracy and reliability. This experimental study opens doors to a future where bitemark analysis could be done through software that searches for matching dentitions in a CBCT database.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Corte-Real
- Forensic Dentistry Laboratory, Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Diana Pedrosa
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - José Saraiva
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal.
| | | | - Duarte Nuno Vieira
- Forensic Dentistry Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mishra AK, Degl'Innocenti A, Mazzolai B. Three-dimensional reconstruction of root shape in the moth orchid Phalaenopsis sp.: a biomimicry methodology for robotic applications. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:258. [PMID: 29695266 PMCID: PMC5918553 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3371-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Within the field of biorobotics, an emerging branch is plant-inspired robotics. Some effort exists in particular towards the production of digging robots that mimic roots; for these, a deeper comprehension of the role of root tip geometry in excavation would be highly desirable. Here we demonstrate a photogrammetry-based pipeline for the production of computer and manufactured replicas of moth orchid root apexes. Results Our methods yields faithful root reproductions. This can be used either for quantitative studies aimed at comparing different root morphologies, or directly to implement a particular root shape in a biorobot. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3371-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anand Kumar Mishra
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy.,The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna (SSSA), Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Degl'Innocenti
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Barbara Mazzolai
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Shamata A, Thompson T. Using structured light three-dimensional surface scanning on living individuals: Key considerations and best practice for forensic medicine. J Forensic Leg Med 2018; 55:58-64. [PMID: 29471248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2018.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Non-contact three-dimensional (3D) surface scanning methods have been applied to forensic medicine to record injuries and to mitigate ordinary photography shortcoming. However, there are no literature concerning practical guidance for 3D surface scanning of live victims. This paper aimed to investigate key 3D scanning issues of the live body to develop a series of scanning principles for future use on injured victims. The Pico Scan 3D surface scanner was used on live test subjects. The work focused on analysing the following concerns: (1) an appropriate 3D scanning technique to scan different body areas, (2) the ideal number of scans, (3) scanning approaches to access various areas of the body and (4) elimination of environmental background noise in the acquired data. Results showed that scanning only a required surface of the body area in the stable manner was more efficient when compared to complete 360°-scanning; therefore, it used as a standard 3D scanning technique. More than three scans were sufficient when trying to obtain an optimal wireframe mode presentation of the result. Three different approaches were suggested to provide access to the various areas of the body. Undertaking scanning using a black background eliminated the background noise. The work demonstrated that the scanner will be promising to reconstruct injuries from different body areas, although the 3D scanning of the live subjects faced some challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Awatif Shamata
- School of Science and Engineering, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BA, UK.
| | - Tim Thompson
- School of Science and Engineering, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BA, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Buck U, Buße K, Campana L, Schyma C. Validation and evaluation of measuring methods for the 3D documentation of external injuries in the field of forensic medicine. Int J Legal Med 2017; 132:551-561. [PMID: 29260394 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-017-1756-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) measurement techniques are gaining importance in many areas. The latest developments brought more cost-effective, user-friendly, and faster technologies onto the market. Which 3D techniques are suitable in the field of forensic medicine and what are their advantages and disadvantages? This wide-ranging study evaluated and validated various 3D measurement techniques for the forensic requirements. High-tech methods as well as low-budget systems have been tested and compared in terms of accuracy, ease of use, expenditure of time, mobility, cost, necessary knowhow, and their limitations. Within this study, various commercial measuring systems of the different techniques were tested. Based on the first results, one measuring system was selected for each technique, which appeared to be the most suitable for the forensic application or is already established in forensic medicine. A body of a deceased, a face and an injury of a living person, and a shoe sole were recorded by 11 people with different professions and previous knowledge using the selected systems. The results were assessed and the personal experiences were evaluated using a questionnaire. In addition, precision investigations were carried out using test objects. The study shows that the hand-held scanner and photogrammetry are very suitable for the 3D documentation of forensic medical findings. Their moderate acquisition costs and easy operation could lead to more frequent application in forensic medicine in the future. For special applications, the stripe-light scanner still has its justification due to its high precision, the flexible application area, and the high reliability. The results show that, thanks to the technological advances, the 3D measurement technology will have more and more impact on the routine of the forensic medical examination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Buck
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Buehlstrasse 20, 3012, Bern, CH, Switzerland. .,Canton Police Bern, Accident service, Schermenweg 9, 3001, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Kirsten Buße
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Buehlstrasse 20, 3012, Bern, CH, Switzerland
| | - Lorenzo Campana
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Buehlstrasse 20, 3012, Bern, CH, Switzerland.,University Center of Legal Medicine Lausanne-Geneva, Chemin de la Vulliette 4, 1000, Lausanne 25, Switzerland
| | - Christian Schyma
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Buehlstrasse 20, 3012, Bern, CH, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Rajshekar M, Julian R, Williams AM, Tennant M, Forrest A, Walsh LJ, Wilson G, Blizzard L. The reliability and validity of measurements of human dental casts made by an intra-oral 3D scanner, with conventional hand-held digital callipers as the comparison measure. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 278:198-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
22
|
Ramos B, Torres JC, Molina A, Martin-de-las-Heras S. A new method to geometrically represent bite marks in human skin for comparison with the suspected dentition. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2017.1356869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Ramos
- Department of Software Engineering, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Juan C. Torres
- Department of Software Engineering, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Molina
- School of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Odontology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Stella Martin-de-las-Heras
- School of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Odontology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Fetisov VA, Makarov IY, Gusarov AA, Lorents AS, Smirenin SA, Stragis VB. [The modern possibilities for the application of photogrammetry in forensic medical traumatology]. Sud Med Ekspert 2017. [PMID: 28635868 DOI: 10.17116/sudmed201760146-50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The authors discuss the modern possibilities and prospects for the application of photogrammetry (FM) in forensic medical traumatology based on the results of the analysis of the many-year experience reported in the foreign periodicals with special reference to road traffic injuries, gunshot wounds, and animals' bites. The examples of objective difficulties and promising prospects for the further application of the FM techniques in the practical work of forensic medical experts and medical criminalists are considered with reference to the use of various FM-based methods and equipment including 3D laser scanners, chambers, stereoscopic mounting attachments, etc. Special attention is given to the contribution of the current scientific and technical progress to the solution of the practical problems facing forensic medical experts with reference to the unique opportunities provided by the modern computed technologies enabling the specialists to considerably improve the quality of expert examination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V A Fetisov
- Federal state budgetary institution 'Russian Centre of Forensic Medical Expertise', Russian Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia, 125284
| | - I Yu Makarov
- Federal state budgetary institution 'Russian Centre of Forensic Medical Expertise', Russian Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia, 125284
| | - A A Gusarov
- Federal state budgetary institution 'Russian Centre of Forensic Medical Expertise', Russian Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia, 125284
| | - A S Lorents
- Federal state budgetary institution 'Russian Centre of Forensic Medical Expertise', Russian Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia, 125284
| | - S A Smirenin
- Federal state budgetary institution 'Russian Centre of Forensic Medical Expertise', Russian Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia, 125284
| | - V B Stragis
- Federal state budgetary institution 'Russian Centre of Forensic Medical Expertise', Russian Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia, 125284
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kottner S, Ebert LC, Ampanozi G, Braun M, Thali MJ, Gascho D. VirtoScan - a mobile, low-cost photogrammetry setup for fast post-mortem 3D full-body documentations in x-ray computed tomography and autopsy suites. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2017; 13:34-43. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-016-9837-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
25
|
ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY OF IMAGE ANALYSIS AS A MEANS OF INCREASING THE OBJECTIVITY AND RELIABILITY OF FORENSIC EXAMINATIONS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.19048/2411-8729-2017-3-2-17-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
26
|
Franco A, Willems G, Couto Souza PH, Coucke W, Thevissen P. Three-dimensional validation of the impact of the quantity of teeth or tooth parts on the morphological difference between twin dentitions. THE JOURNAL OF FORENSIC ODONTO-STOMATOLOGY 2016; 34:27-37. [PMID: 27350700 PMCID: PMC5734821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of teeth involved in cases of bite-mark analysis is generally fewer in comparison to the number of teeth available for cases of dental identification. This decreases the amount of information available and can hamper the distinction between bite suspects. The opposite is true in cases of dental identification and the assumption is that more teeth contribute to a higher degree of specificity and the possibility of identification in these cases. Despite being broadly accepted in forensic dentistry, this hypothesis has never been scientifically tested. OBJECTIVE The present study aims to assess the impact of the quantity of teeth or tooth parts on morphological differences in twin dentitions. MATERIAL AND METHODS A sample of 344 dental casts collected from 86 pairs of twins was used. The dental casts were digitized using an automated motion device (XCAD 3D® (XCADCAM Technology®, São Paulo, SP, Brazil) and were imported as three-dimensional dental model images (3D-DMI) in Geomagic Studio® (3D Systems®, Rock Hill, SC, USA) software package. Sub samples were established based on the quantity of teeth and tooth parts studied. Pair wise morphological comparisons between the corresponding twin siblings were established and quantified. RESULTS Increasing the quantity of teeth and tooth parts resulted in an increase of morphological difference between twin dentitions. More evident differences were observed comparing anterior vs. entire dentitions (p < 0.05) and complete vs. partial anterior dentitions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Dental identifications and bite-mark analysis must include all the possibly related dental information to reach optimal comparison outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Franco
- Department of Oral Health Sciences - Forensic Dentistry, KU Leuven and Dentistry, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - G Willems
- Department of Oral Health Sciences - Forensic Dentistry, KU Leuven and Dentistry, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - P H Couto Souza
- Department of Dentistry - Stomatology, School of Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Brazil
| | - W Coucke
- Free-lance statistician, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - P Thevissen
- Department of Oral Health Sciences - Forensic Dentistry, KU Leuven and Dentistry, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Leipner A, Baumeister R, Thali MJ, Braun M, Dobler E, Ebert LC. Multi-camera system for 3D forensic documentation. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 261:123-8. [PMID: 26921815 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) surface documentation is well established in forensic documentation. The most common systems include laser scanners and surface scanners with optical 3D cameras. An additional documentation tool is photogrammetry. This article introduces the botscan© (botspot GmbH, Berlin, Germany) multi-camera system for the forensic markerless photogrammetric whole body 3D surface documentation of living persons in standing posture. We used the botscan© multi-camera system to document a person in 360°. The system has a modular design and works with 64 digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. The cameras were evenly distributed in a circular chamber. We generated 3D models from the photographs using the PhotoScan© (Agisoft LLC, St. Petersburg, Russia) software. Our results revealed that the botscan© and PhotoScan© produced 360° 3D models with detailed textures. The 3D models had very accurate geometries and could be scaled to full size with the help of scale bars. In conclusion, this multi-camera system provided a rapid and simple method for documenting the whole body of a person to generate 3D data with Photoscan©.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Leipner
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Rilana Baumeister
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael J Thali
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Braun
- Technical Accident Service, Special Survey, Zurich City Police, Bahnhofquai 5, CH-8001 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erika Dobler
- Technical Accident Service, Special Survey, Zurich City Police, Bahnhofquai 5, CH-8001 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lars C Ebert
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kieser JA. Weighing bitemark evidence : A postmodern perspective. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2015; 1:75-80. [PMID: 25869944 DOI: 10.1385/fsmp:1:2:075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Forensic bitemark identification is a demanding area of odontological expertise that typically relies on a three-stage process consisting of a detailed examination of the bitemark, an examination and clinical evaluation of the suspect's dentition, occlusion, and temporomandibular joint, followed by the interpretation of the available evidence. Because the investigator faces a complex body of often incomplete or ambiguous data that has to be reconciled in order to arrive at a conclusion, uncertainty plays a large role in the process. This review evaluates modern bitemark analysis in the light of Daubert's criteria, with special reference to modern ideas about reasoning under uncertainty. It concludes that more than 150 years of developments in bitemark evidence still leaves us without some sort of consensual basis to decide whether or not bitemark evidence should be admitted. However, recent scientific attempts to introduce new bitemark techniques and also to evaluate the evidential reliability of bitemark evidence have offered exciting new perspectives on this debate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jules A Kieser
- Department of Oral Sciences Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand,
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Balachander N, Babu NA, Jimson S, Priyadharsini C, Masthan KMK. Evolution of forensic odontology: An overview. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND BIOALLIED SCIENCES 2015; 7:S176-80. [PMID: 26015703 PMCID: PMC4439663 DOI: 10.4103/0975-7406.155894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Forensic dentistry or forensic odontology admits dentists' participation or identification of the victim and assisting legal and criminal issues. It refers to the proper handling, examination, identification and evaluation of dental evidence. This article summarizes the evolution of forensic odontology that started right from Garden of Eden to the modern scenario in identification of the gang rape case which happened in the state capital. Forensic dentistry plays a significant role in identifying the victims of crime, deceased individuals through the examination of anatomical structures, dental appliances and dental restorations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N. Balachander
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Bharath University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - N. Aravindha Babu
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Bharath University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sudha Jimson
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Bharath University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - C. Priyadharsini
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Bharath University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - K. M. K. Masthan
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Bharath University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Urbanová P, Hejna P, Jurda M. Testing photogrammetry-based techniques for three-dimensional surface documentation in forensic pathology. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 250:77-86. [PMID: 25818581 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Revised: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional surface technologies particularly close range photogrammetry and optical surface scanning have recently advanced into affordable, flexible and accurate techniques. Forensic postmortem investigation as performed on a daily basis, however, has not yet fully benefited from their potentials. In the present paper, we tested two approaches to 3D external body documentation - digital camera-based photogrammetry combined with commercial Agisoft PhotoScan(®) software and stereophotogrammetry-based Vectra H1(®), a portable handheld surface scanner. In order to conduct the study three human subjects were selected, a living person, a 25-year-old female, and two forensic cases admitted for postmortem examination at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic (both 63-year-old males), one dead to traumatic, self-inflicted, injuries (suicide by hanging), the other diagnosed with the heart failure. All three cases were photographed in 360° manner with a Nikon 7000 digital camera and simultaneously documented with the handheld scanner. In addition to having recorded the pre-autopsy phase of the forensic cases, both techniques were employed in various stages of autopsy. The sets of collected digital images (approximately 100 per case) were further processed to generate point clouds and 3D meshes. Final 3D models (a pair per individual) were counted for numbers of points and polygons, then assessed visually and compared quantitatively using ICP alignment algorithm and a cloud point comparison technique based on closest point to point distances. Both techniques were proven to be easy to handle and equally laborious. While collecting the images at autopsy took around 20min, the post-processing was much more time-demanding and required up to 10h of computation time. Moreover, for the full-body scanning the post-processing of the handheld scanner required rather time-consuming manual image alignment. In all instances the applied approaches produced high-resolution photorealistic, real sized or easy to calibrate 3D surface models. Both methods equally failed when the scanned body surface was covered with body hair or reflective moist areas. Still, it can be concluded that single camera close range photogrammetry and optical surface scanning using Vectra H1 scanner represent relatively low-cost solutions which were shown to be beneficial for postmortem body documentation in forensic pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Urbanová
- Laboratory of Morphology and Forensic Anthropology, Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Hejna
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Sokolská 581, 500 05 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Mikoláš Jurda
- Laboratory of Morphology and Forensic Anthropology, Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Milliet Q, Delémont O, Margot P. A forensic science perspective on the role of images in crime investigation and reconstruction. Sci Justice 2014; 54:470-80. [PMID: 25498936 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2014.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
32
|
Molina A, Martin-de-las-Heras S. Accuracy of 3D scanners in tooth mark analysis. J Forensic Sci 2014; 60 Suppl 1:S222-6. [PMID: 25388960 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of contact and laser 3D scanners in tooth mark analysis. Ten dental casts were scanned with both 3D scanners. Seven linear measurements were made from the 3D images of dental casts and biting edges generated with DentalPrint© software (University of Granada, Granada, Spain). The uncertainty value for contact 3D scanning was 0.833 for the upper dental cast and 0.660 mm for the lower cast; similar uncertainty values were found for 3D-laser scanning. Slightly higher uncertainty values were obtained for the 3D biting edges generated. The uncertainty values for single measurements ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 mm with the exception of the intercanine distance, in which higher values were obtained. Knowledge of the error rate in the 3D scanning of dental casts and biting edges is especially relevant to be applied in practical forensic cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Molina
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Odontology, University of Granada, Granada, 18071, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Martin-de-Las-Heras S, Tafur D, Bravo M. A quantitative method for comparing human dentition with tooth marks using three-dimensional technology and geometric morphometric analysis. Acta Odontol Scand 2014; 72:331-6. [PMID: 23972203 DOI: 10.3109/00016357.2013.826383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a quantitative method to compare 3D overlays from dental casts with experimental bitemarks by using geometric morphometric analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirteen upper and lower dental casts and corresponding simulated bitemarks were 3D-scanned to generate comparison overlays with DentalPrint software(©). This study considered the inter-canine distance and four incisal angles. A matrix was created to compare all possible combinations of matches and non-matches between models and bites, i.e. 169 combinations (13 models × 13 bites), of which 13 were true matches. For each combination, the percentage difference was calculated between the variables in the model and the same variables in the bitemark. Logistic regression was used to obtain a predictive model (algorithm) for a match, calculating the discriminative values (area under the ROC curve, sensitivity and specificity) for each measure and for the logistic model. RESULTS Statistically significant discriminative power was found for all single (angle or distance) and combined (logistic model) variables, with lower 95% CI limits > 0.50 for areas under the ROC curves and sensitivity/specificity values > 50% in both maxilla and mandible. CONCLUSIONS This quantitative method has sufficient discriminative power to be utilized in forensic cases.
Collapse
|
34
|
Scene-of-crime analysis by a 3-dimensional optical digitizer: a useful perspective for forensic science. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2014; 32:280-6. [PMID: 21811148 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0b013e318221b880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Analysis and detailed registration of the crime scene are of the utmost importance during investigations. However, this phase of activity is often affected by the risk of loss of evidence due to the limits of traditional scene of crime registration methods (ie, photos and videos). This technical note shows the utility of the application of a 3-dimensional optical digitizer on different crime scenes. This study aims in fact at verifying the importance and feasibility of contactless 3-dimensional reconstruction and modeling by optical digitization to achieve an optimal registration of the crime scene.
Collapse
|
35
|
Marques J, Musse J, Caetano C, Corte-Real F, Corte-Real AT. Analysis of bite marks in foodstuffs by computer tomography (cone beam CT)--3D reconstruction. THE JOURNAL OF FORENSIC ODONTO-STOMATOLOGY 2013; 31:1-7. [PMID: 24776435 PMCID: PMC5734833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The use of three-dimensional (3D) analysis of forensic evidence is highlighted in comparison with traditional methods. This three-dimensional analysis is based on the registration of the surface from a bitten object. The authors propose to use Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), which is used in dental practice, in order to study the surface and interior of bitten objects and dental casts of suspects. In this study, CBCT is applied to the analysis of bite marks in foodstuffs, which may be found in a forensic case scenario. 6 different types of foodstuffs were used: chocolate, cheese, apple, chewing gum, pizza and tart (flaky pastry and custard). The food was bitten into and dental casts of the possible suspects were made. The dental casts and bitten objects were registered using an x-ray source and the CBCT equipment iCAT® (Pennsylvania, EUA). The software InVivo5® (Anatomage Inc, EUA) was used to visualize and analyze the tomographic slices and 3D reconstructions of the objects. For each material an estimate of its density was assessed by two methods: HU values and specific gravity. All the used materials were successfully reconstructed as good quality 3D images. The relative densities of the materials in study were compared. Amongst the foodstuffs, the chocolate had the highest density (median value 100.5 HU and 1,36 g/cm(3)), while the pizza showed to have the lowest (median value -775 HU and 0,39 g/cm(3)), on both scales. Through tomographic slices and three-dimensional reconstructions it was possible to perform the metric analysis of the bite marks in all the foodstuffs, except for the pizza. These measurements could also be obtained from the dental casts. The depth of the bite mark was also successfully determined in all the foodstuffs except for the pizza. Cone Beam Computed Tomography has the potential to become an important tool for forensic sciences, namely for the registration and analysis of bite marks in foodstuffs that may be found in a crime scene.
Collapse
|
36
|
|
37
|
Slot L, Larsen PK, Lynnerup N. Photogrammetric documentation of regions of interest at autopsy--a pilot study. J Forensic Sci 2013; 59:226-30. [PMID: 24117866 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Revised: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this pilot study, the authors tested whether photogrammetry can replace or supplement physical measurements made during autopsies and, based on such measurements, whether virtual computer models may be applicable in forensic reconstructions. Photogrammetric and physical measurements of markers denoting wounds on five volunteers were compared. Virtual models of the volunteers were made, and the precision of the markers' locations on the models was tested. Twelve of 13 mean differences between photogrammetric and physical measurements were below 1 cm, which indicates that the photogrammetric method has a high accuracy. The precision of the markers' location on the models was somewhat less, although the method is still promising and potentially superior to the current procedures used for reconstructions. The possibility to measure any distance on a body, even after the autopsy is concluded and the corpse is no longer available, is one of the biggest benefits of photogrammetry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liselott Slot
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Three dimensional surface analyses of pubic symphyseal faces of contemporary Japanese reconstructed with 3D digitized scanner. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2013; 15:264-8. [PMID: 23541874 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2013.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Revised: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Three dimensional pubic bone images were analyzed to quantify some age-dependent morphological changes of the symphyseal faces of contemporary Japanese residents. The images were synthesized from 145 bone specimens with 3D measuring device. Phases of Suchey-Brooks system were determined on the 3D pubic symphyseal images without discrepancy from those carried out on the real bones because of the high fidelity. Subsequently, mean curvatures of the pubic symphyseal faces to examine concavo-convex condition of the surfaces were analyzed on the 3D images. Average values of absolute mean curvatures of phase 1 and 2 groups were higher than those of phase 3-6 ones, whereas the values were approximately constant over phase 3 presumably reflecting the inactivation of pubic faces over phase 3. Ratio of the concave areas increased gradually with progressing phase or age classes, although convex areas were predominant in every phase.
Collapse
|
39
|
González-Jorge H, Puente I, Eguía P, Arias P. Single-image rectification technique in forensic science. J Forensic Sci 2013; 58:459-64. [PMID: 23425234 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Revised: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 03/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Many researchers have been working in Spain to document the communal graves of those assassinated during the Spanish Civil War. This article shows the results obtained with two low-cost photogrammetric techniques for the basic documentation of forensic studies. These low-cost techniques are based on single-image rectification and the correction of the original photo displacement due to the projection and perspective distortions introduced by the lens of the camera. The capability of image rectification is tested in an excavation in the village of Loma de Montija (Burgos, Spain). The results of both techniques are compared with the more accurate data obtained from a laser scanner system RIEGL LMS-Z390i to evaluate the error in the lengths. The first technique uses a camera situated on a triangle-shaped pole at a height of 5 m and the second positions the camera over the grave using a linearly actuated device. The first technique shows measurement errors less than 6%, whereas the second shows greater errors (between 8% and 14%) owing to the positioning of the carbon-fiber cross on an uneven surface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Higinio González-Jorge
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Engineering, University of Vigo, Vigo, 36310, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Lee J, Kong SG, Lee YS, Kim JS, Jung NE. Detection of Transcribed Seal Impressions Using 3-D Pressure Traces. J Forensic Sci 2012; 57:1531-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2012.02244.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2010] [Revised: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 06/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joong Lee
- Forensic Medicine Division; National Forensic Services; Seoul; 158-707; South Korea
| | - Seong G. Kong
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Temple University, 1947 North 12th Street; Philadelphia; PA; 19122
| | - Young-Soo Lee
- Forensic Medicine Division; National Forensic Services; Seoul; 158-707; South Korea
| | - Jun-Suk Kim
- Forensic Medicine Division; National Forensic Services; Seoul; 158-707; South Korea
| | - Nak-Eun Jung
- Forensic Medicine Division; National Forensic Services; Seoul; 158-707; South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
The examination and identification of bite marks in foods using 3D scanning and 3D comparison methods. Int J Legal Med 2011; 126:89-95. [PMID: 21607716 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-011-0580-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2010] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Bite mark analysis offers the opportunity to identify the biter based on the individual characteristics of the dentitions. Normally, the main focus is on analysing bite mark injuries on human bodies, but also, bite marks in food may play an important role in the forensic investigation of a crime. This study presents a comparison of simulated bite marks in different kinds of food with the dentitions of the presumed biter. Bite marks were produced by six adults in slices of buttered bread, apples, different kinds of Swiss chocolate and Swiss cheese. The time-lapse influence of the bite mark in food, under room temperature conditions, was also examined. For the documentation of the bite marks and the dentitions of the biters, 3D optical surface scanning technology was used. The comparison was performed using two different software packages: the ATOS modelling and analysing software and the 3D studio max animation software. The ATOS software enables an automatic computation of the deviation between the two meshes. In the present study, the bite marks and the dentitions were compared, as well as the meshes of each bite mark which were recorded in the different stages of time lapse. In the 3D studio max software, the act of biting was animated to compare the dentitions with the bite mark. The examined food recorded the individual characteristics of the dentitions very well. In all cases, the biter could be identified, and the dentitions of the other presumed biters could be excluded. The influence of the time lapse on the food depends on the kind of food and is shown on the diagrams. However, the identification of the biter could still be performed after a period of time, based on the recorded individual characteristics of the dentitions.
Collapse
|
42
|
Similarity and match rates of the human dentition in three dimensions: relevance to bitemark analysis. Int J Legal Med 2010; 125:779-84. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-010-0507-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2010] [Accepted: 08/16/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
43
|
Martin-de-Las-Heras S, Tafur D. Validity of a dichotomous expert response in bitemark analysis using 3-D technology. Sci Justice 2010; 51:24-7. [PMID: 21334578 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2010.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2010] [Revised: 07/09/2010] [Accepted: 07/18/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite efforts to quantify bitemark evidence, comparison procedures remain subjective and yield different degrees of certainty. Our aim was to study the effectiveness of a comparison procedure requiring a dichotomous response by the expert. We compared overlays from 3-D images of dental casts and bite impressions, obtained using DentalPrint(©) software. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed on the results of 104 comparisons, finding an area under the ROC curve of 0.955 (standard error=0.029; 95% CI, 0.896-0.986), sensitivity of 92.3% (95% CI, 74.8-98.8) and specificity of 98.7% (95% CI, 93.0-99.8). According to these findings, this bitemark analysis procedure is highly accurate, although study limitations are discussed, placing these results in context. The main advantage of the dichotomous decision model is that it can be more easily understood, facilitating course of justice. Further research is warranted to explore the potential of this approach as an alternative to diagnostic decisions based on certainty levels.
Collapse
|
44
|
|
45
|
Gonzalez-Aguilera D, Gomez-Lahoz J. Forensic terrestrial photogrammetry from a single image. J Forensic Sci 2009; 54:1376-87. [PMID: 19804526 DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01170.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Forensic terrestrial photogrammetry is one of the most valuable and low-cost resources of spatial data available today. Due to the ephemeral crime scene characteristics, these photographs can often capture information that is never to be seen again. This paper presents a novelty approach for the documentation, analysis, and visualization of crime scenes for which only a single perspective image is available. The photogrammetric process consists of a few well-known steps in close-range photogrammetry: features extraction, vanishing points computation, camera self-calibration, 3D metric reconstruction, dimensional analysis, and interactive visualization. Likewise, the method incorporates a quality control of the different steps accomplished sequentially. As a result, several cases of study are presented in the experimental results section in order to test their viability. The full approach can be applied easily through the free software, sv3DVision, which has been evaluated by a number of police officers, forensic scientists, and forensic educators satisfactorily.
Collapse
|
46
|
Martin-de-las-Heras S, Tafur D. Comparison of simulated human dermal bitemarks possessing three-dimensional attributes to suspected biters using a proprietary three-dimensional comparison. Forensic Sci Int 2009; 190:33-7. [PMID: 19505780 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2009.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2009] [Revised: 05/06/2009] [Accepted: 05/08/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The infliction of a bite is a four-dimensional space-time event that is ideally analyzed with three-dimensional (3-D) technology. Comparison of 2-D images (photographs) of a bitemark with a 3-D replica of a suspect's dentition is challenging. The authors present a technique that produces 3-D images of indented marks and dentitions for comparisons. Study models and corresponding dental-wax bites were digitized by 3-D scanning, and comparison overlays were generated using DentalPrint software. The effectiveness of the method was analyzed by determining the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the sensitivity, specificity and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each cut-off point. An area under the ROC curve of 0.953 (SE=0.029; 95% CI=0.893-0.985) and high sensitivity and specificity values were obtained for 104 comparisons made by an expert examiner, who correctly identified 92.3% of matching dentitions and 98.7% of non-matching dentitions. This technique can be considered a highly accurate method of bitemark analysis, although indentations must be present in the injury, limiting the cases that can be resolved. A comparative study of the same dentitions using 2-D bitemark photography confirmed the superiority of the new approach.
Collapse
|
47
|
Virtopsy versus digital autopsy: virtual autopsy. Radiol Med 2009; 114:1367-82. [PMID: 19669111 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-009-0435-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2008] [Accepted: 12/09/2008] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are being increasingly implemented in forensic pathology. These methods may serve as an adjuvant to classic forensic autopsies. Imaging of the interior of corpses is performed using MSCT and/or MRI. MRI, in addition, is also well suited to the examination of surviving victims of assault, especially choking, and helps visualise internal injuries sometimes not seen on external examination of the victim. Various postprocessing techniques can provide strong forensic evidence for use in legal proceedings. The documentation and analysis of postmortem findings with MSCT and MRI and postprocessing techniques (virtopsy) is investigator independent, objective and noninvasive and will lead to qualitative improvements in forensic pathologic investigation. Apart from the accuracy and three dimensionality that conventional documentations lack, these techniques allow for the re-examination of the corpse and the crime scene even decades later, after burial of the corpse and liberation of the crime scene. We believe that this virtual, noninvasive or minimally invasive approach will improve forensic medicine in the near future.
Collapse
|
48
|
Lasser AJ, Warnick AJ, Berman GM. Three-Dimensional Comparative Analysis of Bitemarks. J Forensic Sci 2009; 54:658-61. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01009.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
49
|
Sansoni G, Cattaneo C, Trebeschi M, Gibelli D, Porta D, Picozzi M. Feasibility of Contactless 3D Optical Measurement for the Analysis of Bone and Soft Tissue Lesions: New Technologies and Perspectives in Forensic Sciences. J Forensic Sci 2009; 54:540-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01041.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
50
|
Bolliger SA, Thali MJ, Ross S, Buck U, Naether S, Vock P. Virtual autopsy using imaging: bridging radiologic and forensic sciences. A review of the Virtopsy and similar projects. Eur Radiol 2007; 18:273-82. [PMID: 17705044 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-007-0737-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2007] [Revised: 06/25/2007] [Accepted: 07/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The transdisciplinary research project Virtopsy is dedicated to implementing modern imaging techniques into forensic medicine and pathology in order to augment current examination techniques or even to offer alternative methods. Our project relies on three pillars: three-dimensional (3D) surface scanning for the documentation of body surfaces, and both multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualise the internal body. Three-dimensional surface scanning has delivered remarkable results in the past in the 3D documentation of patterned injuries and of objects of forensic interest as well as whole crime scenes. Imaging of the interior of corpses is performed using MSCT and/or MRI. MRI, in addition, is also well suited to the examination of surviving victims of assault, especially choking, and helps visualise internal injuries not seen at external examination of the victim. Apart from the accuracy and three-dimensionality that conventional documentations lack, these techniques allow for the re-examination of the corpse and the crime scene even decades later, after burial of the corpse and liberation of the crime scene. We believe that this virtual, non-invasive or minimally invasive approach will improve forensic medicine in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan A Bolliger
- Centre for Forensic Imaging and Virtopsy, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Buehlstrasse 20, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|