Forensic examination of living persons in 3D models

• Published in: Forensic science international Vol. 335; p. 111286
• Main Authors: Benz, Lena, Ampanozi, Garyfalia, Franckenberg, Sabine, Massini, Federico, Sieberth, Till
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier B.V 01.06.2022; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: 3D reconstruction; Aggression; Cameras; Clinical forensics; Digital cameras; Documentation; Forensic medicine; Forensic pathology; Forensic science; Forensic sciences; Image acquisition; Injuries; Injury analysis; Photobox; Photogrammetry; Photography; Physical examinations; Software; Three dimensional models; Clinical forensics; 3D reconstruction; Photogrammetry; Photobox
• ISSN: 0379-0738; 1872-6283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111286

Physical injuries caused by interpersonal violence or accidents are usually documented with photographs. In addition to standard injury photography using 2D photographs, the Institute *INSTITUT NAME BLINDED FOR REVIEW* uses a Botspot Botscan ® multi-camera device (Photobox; Aniwaa Ltd, Berlin, Germany) that allows for 3D documentation of a subject. The Photobox contains 70 cameras positioned at different heights looking at a central platform. Within a fraction of a second, all cameras are activated and acquire the necessary images for 3D documentation. In previous studies by Michienzi et al. (2018), the geometric correctness of 3D documented injuries was analyzed. While their work concentrated solely on artificial injuries and their dimensions, the work presented in this study analyzes whether the Photobox allows for accurate medical interpretation of injuries, by forensic pathologists. To perform this analysis, 40 datasets of a variety of real cases were processed to 3D models. The created 3D models were then examined by forensic pathologists on 2D computer screens, and the findings were compared with the original reports. While the aim of this work was to assess whether examinations based on a 3D model allows comparable results to immediate examinations of the subject, the results showed that examinations based on a 3D model are 85% accurate when comparing with physical examinations. This indicates that 3D models allow for reasonably accurate interpretation, and it is possible that accuracy might increase with improved equipment and better trained personnel. •3D scans of persons can be used for forensic medical documentation and examination.•3D models created by the Photobox allow for accurate medical interpretation of injuries.•Examinations based on a 3D model and immediate examination of the subject led to 85% congruence.