Comparative Assessment of a Novel Photo‐Anthropometric Landmark‐Positioning Approach for the Analysis of Facial Structures on Two‐Dimensional Images

Abstract

Positioning landmarks in facial photo‐anthropometry (FPA) applications remains today a highly variable procedure, as traditional cephalometric definitions are used as guidelines. Herein, a novel landmark‐positioning approach, specifically adapted for FPA applications, is introduced and, in particular, assessed against the conventional cephalometric definitions for the analysis of 16 landmarks on ten frontal images by two groups of examiners (with and without professional knowledge of anatomy). Results showed that positioning reproducibility was significantly better using the novel method. Indeed, in contrast to the classic approach, very low landmark dispersions were observed for both groups of examiners, which were usually below the strictest clinical standards (i.e., 0.575 mm). Furthermore, the comparison between the two groups of examiners highlighted higher dispersion consistencies, which supported a higher robustness. Thus, the use of an adapted landmark‐positioning approach proved to be highly advantageous in FPA analysis and future work in this field should consider adopting similar methodologies.

Updating Standards of Facial Growth in Romanian Children and Adolescents Using the Anthropometric Method—A Pilot Study

“…Today, several competing methods are available for capturing and quantifying facial surface morphology, including two-dimensional photogrammetry. The recent development of facial tri-dimensional data acquisition (the accuracy and reliability using them being checked) reduced the time needed for assessment and increased the number of individuals of different age groups that can be included in studies [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. Most of them were conducted on adults, highlighting the importance of our study on different age groups of Romanian children and adolescents using the traditional method.…”

Face similarity linkage: A novel biometric approach to sexually motivated serial killer victims

“…Biometrics, and specifically facial biometrics, can be used as an investigative tool for crime linkage as the offender may have a facial type of victim, and the victim's measurement may have a similarity that can only be noticed through measurement. This type of facial biometric method has been described above using photo‐anthropometry where landmarks and measurements of one image are compared to another to see if there are any similarities or dissimilarities (Flores et al, 2019). Using this biometric comparison technique, it may be useful investigative tool to connect victims to one suspect or to guide in ruling out a certain suspect.…”

“…Along with these occlusions, landmark placement is usually relatively high positioning since different examiners have different interpretation of where a certain landmark is located and especially difficult with two‐dimensional images where there is no three‐dimensional reference (Flores et al, 2019). It should also be noted that in this study, landmarks and measurements were performed in singlicate, by a single researcher whereby future testing should utilize at least two analysts.…”

“…Facial photo‐anthropometry is the metric approach of human facial traits for two‐dimensional images which can identify a person by comparing these images to reference images on a database known as forensic facial identification (Flores et al, 2019; Moreton & Morley, 2011). The first phase of photo‐anthropometry involves the identification and placements of landmarks (or reference points) on the images that are to be measured for comparison (Flores et al, 2019). Once these landmarks have been determined and identified, the measurements between these points are made to help with comparison (Martos et al, 2018).…”

Avaliação da variabilidade de marcação fotoantropométrica em imagens faciais

“…Nesta análise, cabe salientar que a RFA-3 (razão relacionada a estrutura dos olhos) foi a única razão que não foi vulnerável à alteração de incidência, ou seja, independente da incidência ou grau desta, a média e a variabilidade se mantêm estáveis, sendo uma RFA robusta para o exame. A literatura aponta que os pontos com maior estabilidade e precisão estão relacionados à estrutura dos olhos (17,24), o que corrobora o achado.…”