IoT-enabled automated photogrammetry system for forensic autopsy documentation

Abstract

Background

Accurate and reproducible forensic autopsy documentation is vital for medico-legal investigations, ensuring that physical evidence is thoroughly and precisely recorded. Current manual photography techniques often suffer from variability and limited spatial information, potentially compromising the integrity and comprehensiveness of medico-legal records. Automated imaging solutions that standardize the capture process and provide multi-dimensional forensic data are therefore urgently needed to advance forensic science and support judicial processes.

Accurate and reproducible forensic autopsy documentation is vital for medico-legal investigations, ensuring that physical evidence is thoroughly and precisely recorded. Current manual photography techniques often suffer from variability and limited spatial information, potentially compromising the integrity and comprehensiveness of medico-legal records. Automated imaging solutions that standardize the capture process and provide multi-dimensional forensic data are therefore urgently needed to advance forensic science and support judicial processes.

Methods

This work presents the design of an IoT-enabled automated photogrammetry system incorporating multiple high-resolution cameras mounted on a motorized robotic platform. Controlled by a networked unit, the system supports remote operation, synchronization, and real-time data transmission for multi-angle body imaging at autopsy tables. It focuses exclusively on the imaging rig and capture methodology and does not include autopsy procedural aspects.

This work presents the design of an IoT-enabled automated photogrammetry system incorporating multiple high-resolution cameras mounted on a motorized robotic platform. Controlled by a networked unit, the system supports remote operation, synchronization, and real-time data transmission for multi-angle body imaging at autopsy tables. It focuses exclusively on the imaging rig and capture methodology and does not include autopsy procedural aspects.

Results

The system enables standardized, non-contact image capture with precise spatial coordination, providing high-quality datasets that serve as a basis for detailed 3D reconstructions. Preliminary integration and testing indicate improved reproducibility and efficiency compared to manual techniques.

The system enables standardized, non-contact image capture with precise spatial coordination, providing high-quality datasets that serve as a basis for detailed 3D reconstructions. Preliminary integration and testing indicate improved reproducibility and efficiency compared to manual techniques.

Conclusions

This automated imaging approach enhances forensic documentation quality, evidentiary preservation, and medico-legal workflows. It aligns with the conference theme 'Human Rights and Technology' by advancing technology-driven evidence standards.

This automated imaging approach enhances forensic documentation quality, evidentiary preservation, and medico-legal workflows. It aligns with the conference theme 'Human Rights and Technology' by advancing technology-driven evidence standards.