Application of 3D Surface Scanners in Forensic Science and Medicine ( I )- Digital Storage of Human Skeletons and Development of Appraisal Methods for Incident Scenes -

Korean J Leg Med. 2012 May;36(1):85-96. Korean.

Korea Disaster Victim Identification, National Forensic Service, Seoul, Korea, nechung@korea.kr

Division of Forensic Medicine, National Forensic Service, Seoul, Korea

Division of Questioned Document, National Forensic Service, Seoul, Korea

Division of Traffic Engineering, National Forensic Service, Seoul, Korea

Division of Physical Analysis, National Forensic Service, Seoul, Korea

Division of Forensic Medicine, the Central District Office of National Forensic Service, Daejon, Korea

Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, Korea

Department of Anatomy, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Department of Anatomy/Catholic Institute for Applied Anatomy, College of Medicine, Catholic University, Seoul, Korea

Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board, Seoul, Korea

Cadastral Research Institute of Korea Cadastral Survey Corporation, Seoul, Korea

Opto Mechanical Associate Co., Daejon, Korea

Dimension & Solution Co., Daejon, Korea

Dream Technology & Solution Co., Seongnam, Korea

Wipco Co., Seongnam, Korea

Multimedia Business & System Provider Co. Seoul, Korea

The aim of this project was to use 3D scanning data collected at incident scenes and various evidence to 1) develop surveying methods based on 3D data consisting of overall and detailed scene evidence, captured by long-range and micros-canner, which can be shared by personnel working in different fields such as forensic medicine, video analysis, physical analysis, traffic engineering, and fire investigation; 2)create digital storage for human skeletons and set the foundation for virtual anthropology; and 3) improve the credibility of 3D evidence by virtual remodeling and simulation of incident scenes and evidence to provide a basis for advanced and high-tech scientific investigation. Two complete skeletons of male and female were scanned using 3D micro-scanner. Each bone was successfully reproduced and assembled in virtual space. In addition, recreating evidence scheduled for invasive examination by creating RP (rapid prototype) was possible. These outcomes could play an important role in setting up the new field of virtual anthropology. Case-specific surveying methods were developed through analysis of 3D scanning data collected by long-range surface scanners at the scenes of vehicular accidents, falls, shootings, and violent crimes. A technique and recording method was also developed for detecting forged seals by micro-scanning the pressure exerted on the seal. Appraisal methods developed in this project could be utilized to secure 3D data of human skeletal remains and incident scenes, create a standard for application, and increase objectivity, reproducibility, and accuracy of scanning methods. We plan to develop case-specific 3D data analysis techniques to improve the credibility of analysis at the NFS and to establish a3D data collection and analysis team.

Key words : 3D scanner, modeling, simulation, virtual anthropology, rapid prototype

Original article