Assessment of accuracy and recognition of three-dimensional computerized forensic craniofacial reconstruction

Abstract

Facial reconstruction is a technique that aims to reproduce the individual facial characteristics based on interpretation of the skull, with the objective of recognition leading to identification. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the accuracy and recognition level of three-dimensional (3D) computerized forensic craniofacial reconstruction (CCFR) performed in a blind test on open-source software using computed tomography (CT) data from live subjects. Four CCFRs were produced by one of the researchers, who was provided with information concerning the age, sex, and ethnic group of each subject. The CCFRs were produced using Blender® with 3D models obtained from the CT data and templates from the MakeHuman® program. The evaluation of accuracy was carried out in CloudCompare, by geometric comparison of the CCFR to the subject 3D face model (obtained from the CT data). A recognition level was performed using the Picasa® recognition tool with a frontal standardized photography, images of the subject CT face model and the CCFR. Soft-tissue depth and nose, ears and mouth were based on published data, observing Brazilian facial parameters. The results were presented from all the points that form the CCFR model, with an average for each comparison between 63% and 74% with a distance -2.5 ≤ x ≤ 2.5 mm from the skin surface. The average distances were 1.66 to 0.33 mm and greater distances were observed around the eyes, cheeks, mental and zygomatic regions. Two of the four CCFRs were correctly matched by the Picasa® tool. Free software programs are capable of producing 3D CCFRs with plausible levels of accuracy and recognition and therefore indicate their value for use in forensic applications.

The infant mummy’s face—Paleoradiological investigation and comparison between facial reconstruction and mummy portrait of a Roman-period Egyptian child

“…In our study we found high concordance between both–as evidenced by both subjective visual evaluation and biometric analysis–though the match is not 100%. Interestingly, the range of concordance is in the same range as that given for forensic facial reconstructed cases where Miranda et al [ 19 ] confirmed a 63–73% concordance rate. Furthermore, this means that the portrait does, indeed, depict the infant.…”

3D forensic facial approximation: Implementation protocol in a forensic activity

“…The human face can be reconstructed manually or in a virtual environment based on the principles advocated by one of the three schools. The manual technique uses modeling material, such as plasticine, biscuit, or clay, while the computer-aided technique provides for the reconstruction in a virtual environment based on the scanning of the skull, using specific editing and modeling software [1,3,13,14]. Even free software can be used, which are able to produce 3D facial reconstructions with plausible levels of accuracy and likeness and may be recommended for forensic investigations [14].…”

“…The manual technique uses modeling material, such as plasticine, biscuit, or clay, while the computer‐aided technique provides for the reconstruction in a virtual environment based on the scanning of the skull, using specific editing and modeling software [1, 3, 13, 14]. Even free software can be used, which are able to produce 3D facial reconstructions with plausible levels of accuracy and likeness and may be recommended for forensic investigations [14]. Regardless of the chosen method, it will be significantly useful for the recognition of the recreated face by relatives or people close to the individual whose identity is being questioned in the civil and/or criminal sphere, provided that the best practices in the execution of the technique are respected.…”

Three‐Dimensional Prediction of the Nose for Facial Approximation in a Thai Population

“…Previous studies of facial approximation of the nose have shown discordant results in their levels of accuracy . Whereas Wilkinson concluded that the nose can be reconstructed with a high level of accuracy, other studies revealed that some parts of the reconstructed nose deviated more than 5.0 mm from the actual parts. Lee et al reconstructed the faces of three Korean subjects.…”