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                            Library & Multimedia
 Restoration of Defaced Serial Numbers using Lock-in Infrared Thermography (Part II)
NCJ Number
              304360

Author(s)
          I. Unobe;
                        et al
Date Published

2019
Annotation
              This article details continuing work on the development of a substantive non-destructive method to recover defaced serial numbers stamped or laser-engraved into metallic objects based on lock-in infrared thermography.
Abstract
              This method relies on the existence of a local zone of plastic strain created from stamping pressures in mechanically stamped pieces and a heat-affected zone in laser engraved samples, both extending to depths below the visible characters. The grain structure within these zones is dislocated due to the external forces applied. These deformed areas are exposed to the surface when the serial numbers are defaced. Infrared thermography utilizes the change in thermal conductivity, based on local variation in the thermal gradient from thermal energy applied at the surface. Observation of the thermal gradient at the surface as it propagates through the object allows for identification of these deformed regions and subsequent recovery of the serial number. Principal component analysis is used to enhance the thermographic images. Pseudo Zernike moments and subsequently multiple similarity measures are utilized to identify the numbers based on a reference library of numbers. Several fusion rules are used to obtain a consensus across the similarity measures. This process is tested on several datasets including stamped numbers on a gun barrel, laser engraved numbers on a needle holder and the defaced vehicle identification number of a stolen motorcycle. (Publisher Abstract)
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        2017-DN-BX-0173
                                2015-R2-CX-0017


  
  
        
  Agencies
        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Research (Applied/Empirical)


  
  
        
  Award
        RECOVERY OF DEFACED SERIAL NUMBERS USING INFRARED THERMAL IMAGING
                                Optimization and Statistical Testing of Experimental and Computer Methodologies for Evaluation of the LIT-MIA Thermal Imaging Method for Recovery of Defaced Serial Numbers
    
  
  
Date Published: January 1, 2019
    
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      PatentsRelated Topics
        
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        Evidence analysis and processing
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        Erased identification restoration



  
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