FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, January 13, 2020 1

OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM

Title of research need: Factors Affecting Image Quality When Extracting a Still from Video

Describe

the need:

Images extracted from video sources appear to differ in quality when the same video data 

is visualized on different computer systems using the same extraction technique as well as 

different extraction techniques. Research is needed to determine if computer hardware is 

a factor affecting image quality when extracting images from video. 

Keyword(s): Carve, Deinterlace, Download, Export, Image Field, Pixel Aspect Ratio, Still Frame, Still 

Image

Submitting subcommittee(s): VITAL Date Approved: February 26, 2021

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

Background Information:

1. Does this research need address a gap(s) in a current or planned standard? (ex.: Field identification system 

for on scene opioid detection and confirmation)

The following standards would likely be impacted by this research: Standard Guide for Forensic Digital Image 

Processing; Standard Guide for Forensic Digital Video Analysis (Draft); Standard Guide for Forensic Photogrammetry

2. Are you aware of any ongoing research that may address this research need that has not yet been published 

(e.g., research presented in conference proceedings, studies that you or a colleague have participated in but 

have yet to be published)?

Smith, J.M., Grigoras, C. (2014) Quantitative Comparison of Frame Extraction Methods for Motion JPEG Video, 

Proceedings of the 66th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Seattle, WA, 

February

3. Key bibliographic references relating to this research need: (ex.: Toll, L., Standifer, K. M., Massotte, D., eds. 

(2019). Current Topics in Opioid Research. Lausanne: Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/978-2-88963-180-3)

Retrieval of Video Evidence and Production of Working Copies from Digital CCTV Systems v2.0 Publication No 66/08 –

Home Office Scientific Development Branch 

4. Review the annual operational/research needs published by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) at 

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/forensic-science-research-and-development-technology-working-groupoperational#latest? Is your research need identified by NIJ?

pg 7, under, “Crime Scene Examination” Forensic Discipline(s): “Enhanced, and cost-effective, 

development/improvement of technologies and capabilities for visualizing and imaging evidence at the scene”, pg 8, 

under, “Forensic Pathology” Forensic Discipline(s);
FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, January 13, 2020 2

Further research into the utility of advanced imaging technologies in post-mortem examination, assessing the costbenefit of the imaging results with the financial burden of purchasing such technologies and hiring the expertise 

required, and development of standardized protocols; advanced imaging technologies in post-mortem examination 

are expensive, inaccessible for most agencies, difficult to interpret, and require specialized expertise.

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

It would assist in determining and evaluating technology for purchase by a laboratory to process video evidence. 

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

subcommittee(s)?

It would assist in establishing standards for the forensic video analysis process of creating a working copy from 

proprietary video data.

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

This research would help demonstrate to the trier of fact (and the broader criminal justice system) that the quality of 

the video evidence was maintained at the highest possible level in the extraction process.

8. Status assessment (I, II, III, or IV): I

Major gap in 

current 

knowledge

Minor gap in 

current 

knowledge

No or limited

current research is 

being conducted I III

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.