Modern computer 3D technologies of craniofacial identification with the use of the software system TADD SM and 3D scanner ARTEC in Russia. The use of 3D skull images in craniofacial identification when applying the photo superimposition method.

1. Modern computer 3D technologies of craniofacial identification with the use of
the software system TADD SM and 3D scanner ARTEC in Russia.
The use of 3D skull images in craniofacial identification when applying the photo
superimposition method.
Introduction
Nowadays the procedure of identification of human remains of unknown
individuals especially a large number of those who have fallen victim to great
catastrophes faces a lot of problems in Russia as well as all around the world. More
often such problems are solved with the use of genetic study. In cases, where this is
impossible due to the absence of material to be compared with, such hindrances can
be approached by the use of classic methods of anthropological assessment and
craniofacial identification.
The classic approach of craniofacial identification with the use of in vivo image of
a head and a skull image is not widely applied today as it is time-consuming and
technologically flawed.
The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate one of modern craniofacial
identification methods applied in Russia which is based upon using the software
system TADD SM for 3D modeling of the skull surface.
Materials and methods.
The method of computer photo superimposition in confirming the identity of a
human skull of an unknown individual is often used in modern forensics. This process is
based upon the use of in vivo photos and video recordings showing appropriate images
of the individual compared to the found human remains.
In Russia a computer modification of the photo superimposition method is based
upon the use of the software system “TADD” (developed by: Abramov S., Boldyrev N.,
Bannikov A.). There are some configurations of this system.
The first configuration. “TADD” consists of a digital video camera, a PC, a
scanner, a tripod for the camera and for the skull, a black screen. This configuration
creates a partially automatic process of photo superimposition facilitating a search on
a database.

2. A photo of an individual is scanned and represented on the screen. Then it is
corrected within the program: 16 constant anatomic points are generated. These
constants are matched with the same constants of the skull surface. The visible
calvarium outlines are traced as well as the contours of the middle and bottom parts of
the face, eyebrows, ear lobes and other features. The created image of the head is
saved.
The procedure of mark constant points onto the face.
The first configuration of software
system “TADD”
1 – a digital video camera ,
2 – a tripod for the camera ,
3 – a scanner,
4 - a PC ,
5 – black screen ,
6 – under investigation the skull.

3. Then visible marks are inserted on the skull itself. The skull is fixed in front of the
video camera, then, when the skull image is represented on the screen, one can see
the locations of the constant points.
The computerized 3D skull model is formed by continuous data points and
projected onto the received image of the head in such orientation and magnification as
to make the constant points of the skull image and the head image coincide or be as
close to each other as possible.
During the superimposition analysis, one should take into account the location
of the points of the skull model and the head constants towards each other.
Afterwards, the skull image is fixed in the found position. Besides the constant points,
the skull outlines and the isolated features contours are marked.
The next step is the examination of the superimposed images of the head and
skull. Thus the ratio of their constants and contours are observed as the images are
scaled and standardized to the soft tissue thickness of a human head. During this
procedure interactive recording of the details is carried out. At the same time the
location of homonymous constants within the acceptable limits is considered to state
“similar” traits, and their location over the limits is considered to state “different”
traits.
The ratio of the contours of the head and skull elements are observed according to
the same techniques as described above, i.e. taking into account the congruence of the
The procedure of comparison comparable objects.

4. homonymous contours, their location in accordance with the soft tissue thickness of a
human head.
For obtaining the final results of the comparative inquiry process we should take
into account the revealed similarities and differences.
At the same time the differences can be caused by such factors as traumas or post-
mortem destructions, the younger age of an individual in the photo, the position of the
head in the photo, the face expression, the approximate character of some elements
traces in the skull or head image. In such cases these differences are considered
inessential and thus ignored from the identification analysis. The differences of other
nature are considered essential and exclude the possibility of using the given in vivo
image as the identifying object.
The results of the comparative inquiry are automatically recorded in a form of 3
tables and paper copies of the steps of this procedure.
The process of forming results of photo superposition, the operator mast to score all comparison points,
counters and other small fitches.

5. Automatically formed images of
comparison objects.
The second configuration called «3d TADD». This is a software video metrical
system of noncontact measurements of compound spatial objects, used to get a
complete 3D model of the skull.
It includes:
Four high resolution video cameras with the lens of f-8 mm.;
Two projectors of structured light;

6. A managed positioning device;
A PC;
The 3D skull model, created with this software system, is a mathematically accurate
halftone computer copy of the skull surface which is presented on a PC screen as a
“virtual skull”. Moreover its scale can be changed, it can be moved, and undergo any
of the mentioned modifications necessary for the photo superimposition method. At
the same time the congruence of the superimposed contours and constants, their
location in accordance with the soft tissue thickness of a human head appeared in the
3D skull model correspond with the photo superposition methods.
Form of a software video metrical
system of noncontact measurements
«3d TADD».
The metrical system of noncontact
measurements inside.
The procedure of comparison the 3d model of the skull with the image of foto.

7. Complete 3D skull models recorded with the use of the computer are saved in the
database. It enables investigators organize a comparative inquiry procedure using any
computer any time. They only need the 3D model of a skull, not the actual specimen.
They may correct previously obtained data, make control examinations, reinvestigate
former materials and investigate new ones.
The third configuration, the latest one, is TADD SM & Artec 3D – the new quality
product that is very mobile, easy and more multifunctional than the second
configuration. It keeps all functions of TADD SM and comes with the new generation of
portable 3D scanners produced by Artec. The Artec™ 3D Scanner is a 3D video camera
that captures video, each single frame of which is a three-dimensional image.
The images of 3d scanners..
The procedure of capture the 3d
model.
The scanning process becomes extremely straightforward; one need only walk
around the object continuously capturing it with the camera from various angles, while
the accompanying software automatically combines all the scanned frames into a
single mesh.
The Artec™ 3D Scanner can be used as a hand held device, allowing the user to
scan outside or scan those items that should not be transported.

8. Coulored texture scanner. Monochrome nontexture scanner.
The process of scanning a human skull takes 4 minutes and data processing
takes 15 minutes.
The final result can be of formats “stl, obj, ply, wrl”. Further they can be
converted into TADD SM formats.
This scanning device facilitates scanning human remains at the burial ground and
creation of a 3D model of the examined place.
Monochrome model of the
skull.
Textured 3D model of the skeletal remains
excavated at the site..
The Artec™ 3D Scanner can be used for almost unlimited number of times, taken
directly to the crime scene and used to make a 3D model of the place.