Assessment of some problematic factors in facial image identification using a 2D/3D superimposition technique

Abstract

The number of criminal cases requiring facial image identification of a suspect has been increasing because a surveillance camera is installed everywhere in the city and furthermore, the intercom with the recording function is installed in the home. In this study, we aimed to analyze the usefulness of a 2D/3D facial image superimposition system for image identification when facial aging, facial expression, and twins are under consideration. As a result, the mean values of the average distances calculated from the 16 anatomical landmarks between the 3D facial images of the 50s groups and the 2D facial images of the 20s, 30s, and 40s groups were 2.6, 2.3, and 2.2mm, respectively (facial aging). The mean values of the average distances calculated from 12 anatomical landmarks between the 3D normal facial images and four emotional expressions were 4.9 (laughter), 2.9 (anger), 2.9 (sadness), and 3.6mm (surprised), respectively (facial expressions). The average distance obtained from 11 anatomical landmarks between the same person in twins was 1.1mm, while the average distance between different person in twins was 2.0mm (twins). Facial image identification using the 2D/3D facial image superimposition system demonstrated adequate statistical power and identified an individual with high accuracy, suggesting its usefulness. However, computer technology concerning video image processing and superimpose progress, there is a need to keep familiar with the morphology and anatomy as its base.

A Preliminary Study of the Reliability of Anatomical Facial Landmarks Used in Facial Comparison

“…Atsuchi et al. and Ogawa et al. reported that 3D images provide more reliable landmark placements as the structure can be more accurately observed in 3D.…”

“…Analyses were only performed on the frontal and lateral views of the face, without reflecting diverse angles . In addition, the reasons why the landmarks were used in facial mapping were not clearly explained . The landmarks associated with the ears have not thoroughly been investigated, although they have a high degree of individuality in terms of morphology .…”

“…The representative standards derived from landmarks on a facial photograph are anthropological measurements, anthropometric proportion indices and angles, and reciprocal point-topoint distances (6,(8)(9)(10)(11). Measured or calculated indicator values of these standards are used as references in identity verification.…”

Morphological and morphometric changes in the faces of female-to-male (FtM) transsexual people

“…Morphological profiles within and between populations and sexes (Kau et al, 2010), visualising soft tissue changes following orthognathic surgery (Miller, Morris and Berry, 2007), syndrome diagnosis (Shaweesh, Clement, Thomas and Bankier, 2006), facial growth (Nute & Moss, 2000) and facial aging (Atsuchi, Tsuji, Usumoto, Yoshino and Ikeda, 2013) have been studied.…”

Photo anthropometric variations in Japanese facial features: Establishment of large-sample standard reference data for personal identification using a three-dimensional capture system

“…Although the 2D/3D superimposition method is extremely useful [12][13][14][19][20][21], it cannot completely substitute for traditional methods. 3D facial images cannot always be obtained from a possible offender in every forensic case.…”