Application of 3D documentation and geometric reconstruction methods in traffic accident analysis: With high resolution surface scanning, radiological MSCT/MRI scanning and real data based animation (original) (raw)

Virtopsy: Expert opinion based on 3d surface and radiological scanning and documentation in forensic medicine

2008

Apart from forensic medical examinations (external examination and autopsy), three-dimensional technologies and high-tech methods are gaining more and more importance in accident and crime investigations. Radiological imaging and 3D surface scanning deliver highly precise 3D data of accident victims and damaged vehicles. Based on these digital data computer-assisted, drawn-to-scale analysis of the injuries of the body and damages to the vehicle allow for the reconstruction of the course of accident. In the present work a collision between a car and a cyclist was analyzed with the described methods. The body of the accident victim was scanned with MSCT and 3D optical surface scanning. The accident car and the bicycle were also digitized with the surface scanner. The accident scene was documented by the use of a 3D laser scanner and photogrammetry. With the real data based reconstruction the collision position of the vehicles and the course of the accident could be determined. Furthermore, an external institution used the collected data to estimate the velocity of the car at time of collision.

VIRTOPSY—Scientific Documentation, Reconstruction and Animation in Forensic: Individual and Real 3D Data Based Geo-Metric Approach Including Optical Body/Object Surface and Radiological CT/MRI Scanning

Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2005

Until today, most of the documentation of forensic relevant medical findings is limited to traditional 2D photography, 2D conventional radiographs, sketches and verbal description. There are still some limitations of the classic documentation in forensic science especially if a 3D documentation is necessary. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate new 3D real data based geo-metric technology approaches. This paper present approaches to a 3D geo-metric documentation of injuries on the body surface and internal injuries in the living and deceased cases. Using modern imaging methods such as photogrammetry, optical surface and radiological CT/MRI scanning in combination it could be demonstrated that a real, full 3D data based individual documentation of the body surface and internal structures is possible in a non-invasive and non-destructive manner. Using the data merging/fusing and animation possibilities, it is possible to answer reconstructive questions of the dynamic development of patterned injuries (morphologic imprints) and to evaluate the possibility, that they are matchable or linkable to suspected injury-causing instruments. For the first time, to our knowledge, the method of optical and radiological 3D scanning was used to document the forensic relevant injuries of human body in combination with vehicle damages. By this complementary documentation approach, individual forensic real data based analysis and animation were possible linking body injuries to vehicle deformations or damages. These data allow conclusions to be drawn for automobile accident research, optimization of vehicle safety (pedestrian and passenger) and for further development of crash dummies. Real 3D data based documentation opens a new horizon for scientific reconstruction and animation by bringing added value and a real quality improvement in forensic science.

3D scanning and imaging for quick documentation of crime and accident scenes

Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, 2012

Fast documentation of complex scenes where accidents or crimes occurred is fundamental not to lose information for post-event analyses and lesson learning. Today 3D terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetry offer instruments capable of achieving this task. The former allows the fast geometric reconstruction of complex scenes through dense point clouds. Different kinds of instruments can be used according to the size of the area to survey and to the required level of details. The latter can be used for both geometric reconstruction and for photo-realistic texturing of laser scans. While photogrammetry better focuses on small details, laser scanning gives out a more comprehensive view of geometry of whole crime/accident scene. Both techniques can be used for recording a scene just after a crime or a disaster occurred, before the area is cleared out to recover regular activities. Visualization of results through an easy-to-use 3D environment is another import issue to offer useful data to investigators. Here two experiences of crime scene documentation are proposed.

Reconstruction and 3D visualisation based on objective real 3D based documentation

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology, 2011

Reconstructions based directly upon forensic evidence alone are called primary information. Historically this consists of documentation of findings by verbal protocols, photographs and other visual means. Currently modern imaging techniques such as 3D surface scanning and radiological methods (Computer Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are also applied. Secondary interpretation is based on facts and the examiner's experience. Usually such reconstructive expertises are given in written form, and are often enhanced by sketches. However, narrative interpretations can, especially in complex courses of action, be difficult to present and can be misunderstood. In this report we demonstrate the use of graphic reconstruction of secondary interpretation with supporting pictorial evidence, applying digital visualisation (using 'Poser') or scientific animation (using '3D Studio Max', 'Maya') and present methods of clearly distinguishing between factual documentation and examiners' interpretation based on three cases. The first case involved a pedestrian who was initially struck by a car on a motorway and was then run over by a second car. The second case involved a suicidal gunshot to the head with a rifle, in which the trigger was pushed with a rod. The third case dealt with a collision between two motorcycles. Pictorial reconstruction of the secondary interpretation of these cases has several advantages. The images enable an immediate overview, give rise to enhanced clarity, and compel the examiner to look at all details if he or she is to create a complete image.

Reconstruction of traffic accident scene using close-range photogrammetry technique

Police investigators and forensic scientists in Malaysia these days face challenges when documenting traffic accident scenes in obtaining accurate measurements. They are still using the conventional method which is impractical to map the scene due to traffic jam, the environment of the road, unstable flooring, and line of sight issues. By using measuring tape, this method is often inaccurate for 3D data, as well as even 2D mapping tasks. Furthermore, they only depend on the rough sketch which is difficult when it comes to retrieve the data. Once the accident scene investigation is cleared out, there is seldom a chance to go back for other "missed" evidence data, without the evidence being possibly compromised. The application of close range photogrammetry is implemented in this study to overcome the problem by using calibrated digital SLR camera SONY DSC F828 (3264 x 2448 pixel). The collision scene which is located in UTM is captured and imported into iWitness software afterwards to measure accurately the physical evidence data without contaminating them (non-contact measurement). Subsequently, Crash Zone software is used to generate 3D model of the crash scene. The outcome of the research are 2D plan and 3D model showing how the situation occurred. This product can be analyzed by law enforcement, insurance agency, and can be as evidence in court litigation as well.

Integrated computer-aided forensic case analysis, presentation, and documentation based on multimodal 3D data

Forensic science international, 2018

Three-dimensional (3D) crime scene documentation using 3D scanners and medical imaging modalities like computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are increasingly applied in forensic casework. Together with digital photography, these modalities enable comprehensive and non-invasive recording of forensically relevant information regarding injuries/pathologies inside the body and on its surface. Furthermore, it is possible to capture traces and items at crime scenes. Such digitally secured evidence has the potential to similarly increase case understanding by forensic experts and non-experts in court. Unlike photographs and 3D surface models, images from CT and MRI are not self-explanatory. Their interpretation and understanding requires radiological knowledge. Findings in tomography data must not only be revealed, but should also be jointly studied with all the 2D and 3D data available in order to clarify spatial interrelations and to optimally exploit the data at ...

Forensic 3D documentation of bodies: Simple and fast procedure for combining CT scanning with external photogrammetry data

A B S T R A C T This study presents a procedure for combining 3D models obtained from CT scanning (internal and external data) and photogrammetry (external data). 3D data were acquired at different times, without the support of reference points. The procedure has been tested on 30 injured areas caused by different wounding mechanisms. The alignment of the different 3D models was in most of the cases very precisely (mean distance around 1 mm, SD around or lower than 2 mm). Ad hoc procedures should be followed in case of injuries on the head, joints and back.

An Attempt to Attain New Information in Reconstruction of Road Traffic Accidents Applying Digital Image Processing

PROMET - Traffic&Transportation, 2011

Court expertise dealing with the reconstruction of road traffic accidents often have to take into account the possibility that an accident could have been a set-up. Such suspicions can be eliminated only by considering all the evidence material from the accident scene. In case of photographic material experts come across the missing material, bad lighting, lack of contrast, different angle perspectives, blurring, omitting important details, etc. Therefore, different methods in forensics image processing have been developed. Most of these methods are primarily used in the processing of different types of photographic material, but some can be applied in the field of road accidents analyses. This paper shows the implementation of digital image processing methods used for processing of remotely sensed imagery. Even though the photographic evidence is incomplete, it is possible to determine the position and dispersion of different materials. This gives the experts additional information...