U.S. flag
      An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.
        Here's how you know
      Here's how you know**Official websites use .gov**
            
            A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
      **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
            
            A **lock** (
            A locked padlock
            ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Menu

      
        close

            
            
                                              About NIJ
        
                    
  
          About NIJ
      
    
          The NIJ Director
          How NIJ Is Organized
          Mission and Guiding Principles
          Research and Development Process
          Strategic Framework
          Assessments of NIJ
          Annual Reports & Reports to Congress
          Staff Directory
          Funding & Awards
        
                    
  
          Funding & Awards
      
    
          Current Funding
          Forthcoming Funding
          Expired Funding
          Awards: Listing of Funded Projects
          Guidance for Applicants and Awardees
          Fellowship & Student Programs
          Travel Scholarships
          NIJ Challenge Program
          Library & Multimedia
        
                    
  
          Library & Multimedia
      
    
          NIJ Journal
          Podcasts
          Publications Listing
          Multimedia Listing
          Rated Practices on CrimeSolutions
          Rated Programs on CrimeSolutions
          Software & Databases
          Datasets
          Patents
          Topics
        
                    
  
          Topics
      
    
          Article Listing
          Corrections
          Courts
          Crime Prevention
          Crimes
          Drugs and Crime
          Equipment and Technology
          Forensic Sciences
          Youth Justice
          Justice System Reform
          Law Enforcement
          Tribal Crime and Justice
          Victims of Crime
          Events
        
                    
  
          Events
      
    
          NIJ 2024 Research Conference
          Scheduled Events
          On-Demand Events
          Research Meetings & Workshops
          NIJ-Hosted Online Training

                            
                                About
          Contact Us
          Subscribe
          Topics A-Z
                  Share
FacebookXLinkedInRedditPinterestEmail Home
                            Funding & Awards
 Applied Research, Development, and Method Validation for a Statistically Based Comparison of Tool Marks using GelSight-Based 3D Imaging and Novel Comparison Algorithms for Firearm Forensics
Award Information
Awardee
              Cadre Research Labs, LLC
Award #
              2014-DN-BX-K012
Funding Category
              Competitive
Location
                    Chicago, IL
Congressional District
              7
Status
              Closed
Funding First Awarded
              2014
Total funding (to date)
              $190,400
Original Solicitation
              NIJ FY 14 Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2014, $190,400)
As submitted by the proposer:  
The proposed work represents a critical next step in investigating the overall performance characteristics of a novel system for structural 3D imaging and comparison of cartridge casings, TopMatch. In January 2013, we began development of a 3D surface topography imaging and analysis system for firearm forensics based on the GelSight imaging technology and custom feature-based image comparison algorithms. The technology shows excellent match accuracy. However, to fully establish the base credibility of the platform it is necessary to identify best scanning practices and demonstrate that the method meets the quality control criteria of other forensic instruments. This proposal aims to greatly enhance this novel, low-cost system for structural 3D imaging and comparison of cartridge casings by establishing best practices and conducting a set of methodology studies. 
The aims of this proposal follow the intent of the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods Validation Guidelines for Analysis Methods document. The report describes validation criteria for new scientific methods. We propose to complete a series of experiments to address the issues of Precision, Repeatability, Reproducibility, Contamination Risk, and Performance Checks. In Aim 1 we will setup three datasets and develop objective measures of scan quality. In Aim 2 we will establish a set of Best Scanning Practices, explore Cleaning Protocols, Focus Variation, and Ambient Lighting effects, investigate Precision, Repeatability, and Contamination Risk, and establish Reproducibility via an Inter-Operator Validation study. In Aim 3 we will develop System Performance Checks. Several completed feasibility studies described in this proposal, support the presented aims. 
The proposal will be completed by Cadre Research Labs, a scientific computing contract research organization, working in collaboration with GelSight Inc, a company formed by the MIT researchers who developed the GelSight surface topography imaging technology. The two companies will collaborate with ToddWeller, a firearms identification specialist and Criminalist in the Oakland Police Department. We will continue collaborations with colleagues at the San Francisco PD, the Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office, the U. of Illinois at Chicago, and NIST.
The proposed project will establish best scanning practices and fully validate the operational characteristics of the novel 3D imaging and analysis system. This will benefit law enforcement and their ability to present firearm identification and tool mark evidence in the courtroom. Interim reports will be provided as required by the NIJ. A final report will summarize the completion and results of the three aims.
ca/ncf



  
Grant-Funded Publications
        
                      Success Story: Advancing 3D Virtual Microscopy for Firearm Forensics
                  Development and Validation of a Virtual Examination Tool for Firearm Forensics
                  Applied Research, Development, and Method Validation for a Statistically Based Comparison of Tool Marks Using GelSight-Based Three Dimensional Imaging and Novel Comparison Algorithms for Firearm Forensics
                  Introduction and Initial Evaluation of a Novel Three-Dimensional Imaging and Analysis System for Firearm Forensics
                  Cadre Forensics: A Successful Case of End-User Involvement

  
Date Created: September 21, 2014
    
          Side navigation
  

        

  
  
              Current Funding
    
      
            
            
            
      Forthcoming Funding
    
      
            
            
            
      Expired Funding
    
      
            
            
            
      Awards: Listing of Funded Projects
    
      
            
            
            
      Guidance for Applicants and Awardees
    
      
            
            
            
      Fellowship & Student Programs
    
      
            
            
            
      Travel Scholarships
    
      
            
            
            
      NIJ Challenge ProgramSimilar Awards
        
                      NIJ Innovations in Measuring Community Perceptions Challenge Winner: Johnston & Company
                  Empirical Analysis of Saw Mark Characteristics in Human Bone: Meeting Forensic Standards in Dismemberment Cases
                  Evaluation of the Luxon Ion Source for Rapid Screening in Forensic Laboratories
 Top

      National Institute of Justice

        
        
                        About NIJ
                    About NIJ
      
    
                  How NIJ Is Organized
      
    
                  NIJ Director
      
    
                  Research Disclaimer
      
    
                  Funding & Awards
                    Funding & Awards Home
      
    
                  Awards Listing
      
    
                  Current Funding
      
    
                  Guidance for Applicants and Awardees
      
    
                  Resources
                    Events
      
    
                  Podcasts
      
    
                  Publications
      
    
                  Topics
      
    
                  Multimedia
      
    
                  Reuse Policy
      
    
                  Contacts
                    Contact NIJ
      
    
                  Staff Directory
      
    
                  Submit a FOIA Request
      
    
                  File a Civil Rights ComplaintFacebook
          
                      X
          
                      YouTube
  

      810 7th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20531
      
              Secondary Footer link menu
            Accessibility
              Plain Language
              Privacy Policy
              Legal Policies and Disclaimer
              No FEAR Act
              Freedom of Information Act
              USA.gov
              Justice.gov