Version 1.1 / Date of Issue: 2.09.16 / Issuing Authority: Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB)

OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM

Title of research need: 3D Imaging of patterned injuries on human skin

Keyword(s): 3D scanning, 3D photography, color, documentation, database, superimposition

Submitting subcommittee(s): Odontology Date Approved: 08 24 2016

(If SAC review identifies additional subcommittees, add them to the box above.)

Background Information:

1. Description of research need:

Current assessment tools for patterned injuries involve considerable potential for error, such as 

physical contact of impression materials which may distort tissues, 2D photography which has intrinsic 

errors depending on distance and lighting, and subjective expert opinion. 3D methods are available, 

but need to be optimized for use on mobile devices (e.g., smartphones and multi-camera systems) and 

tested for dimensional and color accuracy and ease-of-use. Software is needed for efficient archiving 

and retrieval, as well as superimposition and matching functions. Comparisons are needed between 3D 

and current methods preferably in black box experiments.

2. Key bibliographic references relating to this research need:

Zancajo-Blazquez S, Gonzalez-Aguilera D, Gonzalez-Jorge H, Hernandez-Lopez D. An automatic imagebased modelling method applied to forensic infography. PLoS One. 2015 Mar 20;10(3):e0118719. doi: 

0.1371/journal.pone.0118719.

Leipner A, Baumeister R, Thali MJ, Braun M, Dobler E, Ebert LC. Multi-camera system for 3D forensic 

documentation. Forensic Sci Int. 2016 Apr;261:123-8. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.02.003.

Urbanová P, Hejna P, Jurda M. Testing photogrammetry-based techniques for three-dimensional 

surface documentation in forensic pathology. Forensic Sci Int.2015 May;250:77-86. doi: 

10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.03.005.

Campana L, Breitbeck R, Bauer-Kreuz R, Buck U. 3D documentation and visualization of external injury 

findings by integration of simple photography in CT/MRI data sets (IprojeCT). Int J Legal Med. 2016 

May;130(3):787-97.

https://www.dental-monitoring.com (Smartphone app for measuring tooth positions)

Verhiel SH, Piatkowski de Grzymala AA, Van den Kerckhove E, Colla C, van der Hulst RR. Threedimensional imaging for volume measurement of hypertrophic and keloid scars, reliability of a 

previously validated simplified technique in clinical setting. Skin Res Technol. 2016 Jun 10. doi: 

10.1111/srt.12296. 

Hibler BP, Qi Q, Rossi AM. Current state of imaging in dermatology. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2016 

Mar;35(1):2-8. 
Version 1.1 / Date of Issue: 2.09.16 / Issuing Authority: Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB)

Rashaan ZM, Stekelenburg CM, van der Wal MB, Euser AM, Hagendoorn BJ, van Zuijlen PP, Breederveld 

RS. Three-dimensional imaging: a novel, valid, and reliable technique for measuring wound surface 

area. Skin Res Technol. 2016 Feb 7. 

Liu W, Cheung Y, Sabouri P, Arai TJ, Sawant A, Ruan D. A continuous surfacer econstruction method on 

point cloud captured from a 3D surface photogrammetry

system. Med Phys. 2015 Nov;42(11):6564-71. 

Pavlovčič U, Diaci J, Možina J, Jezeršek M. Wound perimeter, area, and volume 

measurement based on laser 3D and color acquisition. Biomed Eng Online. 2015 Apr 

24;14:39. doi: 10.1186/s12938-015-0031-7. doi: 10.1111/srt.12285.

3a. In what ways would the research results improve current laboratory capabilities?

The proposed research topics would simplify data acquisition, automate data processing, reduce 

investigator and staff time, reduce errors, increase details related to severity and healing of the injuries.

3b. In what ways would the research results improve understanding of the scientific basis for the 

subcommittee(s)?

The proposed research topics would simplify data acquisition, automate data processing, reduce 

investigator and staff time, reduce errors, increase details related to severity and healing of the injuries.

3c. In what ways would the research results improve services to the criminal justice system?

The work would lead to better protocols, establishment of standards for documentation, better 

understanding of the natural history and causes of patterned injuries, iimproved expert witness testimony.

4. Status assessment (I, II, III, or IV): Major gap in 

current 

knowledge

Minor gap in 

current 

knowledge

Suitability of mobile devices for 

documentation of patterned injuries

I

Protocols for 3D digital imaging 

(scanning, photography) for 

patterned images, especially to 

methods involving physical contact 

such as impressions.

I No or limited

current research 

is being conducted I III

Availability of archived and 

accessible 3D databases of patterned 

injuries (causes, healing, etc.) and 

methods of uperimposing/matching 

images.

I Existing current 

research is being 

conducted II IV

This research need has been identified by one or more subcommittees of OSAC and is being provided as an 

informational resource to the community.
Version 1.1 / Date of Issue: 2.09.16 / Issuing Authority: Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB)

Approvals:

Subcommittee Approval date: 08 24 2016

(Approval is by majority vote of subcommittee. Once approved, forward to SAC.)

SAC

1. Does the SAC agree with the research need? Yes No

2. Does the SAC agree with the status assessment? Yes No

If no, what is the status assessment of the SAC:

Approval date:

(Approval is by majority vote of SAC. Once approved, forward to NIST for posting.)