3D image capture for the analysis of bite mark injuries

This work describes the investigation of a new 3D capture method for acquisition and subsequent forensic analysis of bite mark injuries on human skin. When documenting the bite marks with standard 2D cameras, errors in photographic technique can occur if best practice is not strictly adhered to. Subsequent forensic analysis of the mark is problematic when a 3D structure is recorded in 2D space. Although strict guidelines from the British Association of Forensic Odontology (BAFO) exist, these are time consuming to follow and due to their complexity, may produce errors. A 3D capture and processing system might avoid the problems resulting from the 2D recording process, thus simplifying the guidelines and reducing errors. A series of experiments are described here that demonstrate the potential of a 3D system to produce suitable results. The experiments tested precision and accuracy of the traditional 2D and 3D methods. The results of the experiments demonstrate that distortion and errors created by 2D image capture can negatively affect the digital measurement process. A practical 3D image capture device minimizes the degree of angular distortion, and therefore has the potential to create more robust forensic evidence for use in courts