FaceID: A 3D computer graphic application for forensic medicine: A novel semi-automated muscle based digital sculpting initiative for forensic facial reconstruction in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The field of medicine has integrated with law and regulation in the form of forensic medicine. While the field of medicine, as a whole, is leaping forward by integrating computer solutions, Forensic Medicine- particularly in developing regions such as Sri Lanka- is lacking innovative computer integrations. The process of forensic facial reconstruction in particular, is still at its infancy in Sri Lanka, and is yet to utilize the advanced technologies of other countries. Hence introducing a more efficient multimedia based technique to the local forensic officials in order to improve the efficiency and the accuracy of the reconstructions is the aim of this study. In contrast to the facial reconstructions conducted in other countries, this study introduces a novel semi-automated method of computer aided digital sculpting to the field of forensic medicine. The adopted process involved, acquiring a 3D model of the skull and digitally sculpting muscles in a 3D environment, followed by adding different facial features to improve identification. The research also encompassed a tissue thickness analysis and a facial component analysis, both of which were conducted for the first time on Sri Lankans since both were needed to improve the accuracy of the final output. This procedure was attempted on cases of the age category 20–30 and of medium weight. The outputs and the process were evaluated with different parties such as general public, forensic officials, lawyers and CID all of which yielded true positive results. The ultimate goal of conducting the study was to understand and overcome the challenges faced in developing this novel application for the Sri Lankan Forensic officials and to establish the first unit for facial reconstruction in Sri Lanka.