NCJ Number
218793
Date Published
April 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes research toward the development of a computer system for facial reconstruction.
Abstract
Preliminary research and models indicated that the approximately 10,000 measurements collected from MRI records could significantly increase the precision and accuracy of facial reconstructions. The primary problem with the system was found with automating the process by which tissue depth landmarks were located on the skull using the traditional landmarks. Computerized 3-D facial reconstruction should significantly reduce the cost of facial reconstruction and it is recommended that an international service for computerized facial reconstruction via the Internet be established. The author explains that facial reconstruction is not meant to be an exact likeness of an individual due to the many variable factors, such as skin color, facial hair, and scars. However, measurements made of tissue depths of different races can significantly improve the precision of facial reconstruction. The main problem is that the available datasets of tissue depth measurements are small and the measurements are often imprecise. Moreover, traditional facial reconstruction using clay is time consuming and may take up to a week to complete. Research at Sheffield University to develop the computerized system for facial reconstruction is described and includes datasets for approximately 20 landmarks on the human skull. More research is needed on the simulation of skin color and texture and on the use of 3-D graphical editing software to enhance the finished reconstruction. Research should also explore the value of studies in psychology, art history, or portraiture in facial reconstructions. Figures, references