Facial muscle anatomy based approach for forensic facial reconstruction in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Forensic facial reconstruction is still at its infancy inSri Lanka and is yet to utilize the advanced technologies of other countries. Hence introducing a more efficient multimedia based technique to the local forensic officials in order to improve the efficiency and the accuracy of the reconstructions is the aim of this study. In contrast to the other mechanisms used for facial reconstruction by others, this paper adopts a novel approach of muscle based facial reconstruction which goes hand in hand with the manual reconstruction process. The adopted process involved, acquiring a 3D model of the skull and digitally sculpting muscles in a 3D environment, followed by adding different facial features to improve identification. The research also encompassed a tissue thickness analysis that is conducted for the first time on Sri Lankans as well as a facial component analysis, both of which were needed to improve the accuracy of the final output. This procedure was attempted on cases of the age category 20-30 and of medium weight. The outputs and the process were evaluated with different parties such as general public, forensic officials, lawyers and CID all of which are to be benefited from this application.The ultimate goal of conducting the study was to understand and overcome the challenges faced in developing this novel application for the Sri Lankan Forensic officials and to establish the first unit for facial reconstruction in Sri Lanka.

Forensic art: 2D facial composite through image processing techniques in Sri Lanka

“…In early studies it was proven that the ability of assessing facial feature appearance has been achieved by anthropometric proportion indices and this has been used for a number of forensic practices 3 . Hence, when constructing the facial feature templates this research focused on two major parameters known as most occurring indices andcommonly available facial feature shapes.…”

The development and testing of Thai facial soft tissue thickness data in three-dimensional computerized forensic facial reconstruction

“…11 3-D computerized facial reconstruction is normally based on a semi-automated approach to reconstruction (e.g. 3-D modeling software such as 3DStudio Max, 4,5 Freeform, [11][12][13] Blender, 14 or Zbrush 15) that still depends on traditional manual methods and requires good knowledge of anatomy and anthropology, or an automated approach to reconstruction that requires sophisticated computer-based techniques and craniofacial information to generates facial reconstruction (using software specifically programmed to run reconstruction algorithms and to generate a face from a skull model).…”

Avaliação da acuracidade da reconstrução facial 3D por meio de fotografias antemortem de indivíduos previamente identificados

“…Os rostos foram reconstruídos utilizando-se o programa FreeForm Modelling Plus™ da SensAble Technologies com feedback tátil (Phantom Desktop™).Os autores explicaram que a utilização de sistemas computadorizados em 3D no processo de reconstrução facial forense permiti a realização de processos mais eficazes. O resultado deste estudo demonstrou bons níveis de acuracidade em comparação com as faces alvo Rajapakse et al (2012). realizaram um estudo no Sri Lanka a fim de melhorar a eficiência e a exatidão das reconstruções faciais no país.…”

“…E também Guyomarc'h et al (2012) quando afirmaram que a aparência global de um rosto depende das correlações anatômicas entre os tecidos moles e duros. Neste estudo isso foi essencial, visto que o conhecimento prévio a cerca de anatomia dos músculos e do crânio, bem como conhecimentos de antropologia, auxiliaram na conclusão com êxito deste trabalho por meio do método Manchester Rajapakse et al (2012).…”