The validation of 3D virtual comparison microscopy (VCM) in the comparison of expended cartridge cases

In this study, the Cadre TopMatch‐3D scanner and associated virtual comparison software was evaluated to determine whether this technique is a valid and reliable method of conducting cartridge component comparisons. That is, if virtual comparison microscopy (VCM) produces results at least equivalent...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of forensic sciences Vol. 67; no. 2; pp. 516 - 523
Main Authors Knowles, Laura, Hockey, Daniel, Marshall, John
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.03.2022
Subjects
3D scanning
3D technology
cadre
cartridge cases
Cartridges
Firearms
firearms identification
Forensic sciences
Microscopy
Software
TopMatch
validation
virtual comparison microscopy (VCM)
TopMatch
virtual comparison microscopy (VCM)
3D technology
cartridge cases
3D scanning
cadre
firearms identification
validation
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Summary:In this study, the Cadre TopMatch‐3D scanner and associated virtual comparison software was evaluated to determine whether this technique is a valid and reliable method of conducting cartridge component comparisons. That is, if virtual comparison microscopy (VCM) produces results at least equivalent to those generated through traditional light comparison microscopy (LCM), the method would be deemed valid for use in an operational setting. Particular emphasis was placed on the capability to render same source conclusions. Of the 40 true identifications available to each examiner, corresponding to a total of 520 comparisons, positive identifications were made more frequently using VCM as compared to traditional LCM where inconclusive conclusions were provided at a higher rate. VCM produced a higher sensitivity (88.41%) and specificity (13.64%) rate than LCM, 80.08% and 12.50%, respectively. Based on the findings of the study, considered together with the benefits that VCM offers in the name of efficiency, it became apparent that Cadre’s 3D scanning microscope and its associated virtual comparison software tested in this study is an appropriate and valid technique for conducting comparisons of expended cartridge cases and can be implemented into routine casework for that purpose.
Bibliography:Presented at the 50th Annual Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) Training Seminar, May 26‐31, 2021, in Nashville, TN.
ObjectType-Article-1
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ISSN:0022-1198
1556-4029
DOI:10.1111/1556-4029.14942