An automatic image-based modelling method applied to forensic infography

Sandra Zancajo-Blazquez; Diego Gonzalez-Aguilera; Higinio Gonzalez-Jorge; David Hernandez-Lopez

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0118719

An automatic image-based modelling method applied to forensic infography

PLoS One. 2015 Mar 20;10(3):e0118719. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118719. eCollection 2015.

Authors

Sandra Zancajo-Blazquez¹, Diego Gonzalez-Aguilera¹, Higinio Gonzalez-Jorge², David Hernandez-Lopez³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Cartographic and Land Engineering, University of Salamanca, Polytechnic School of Avila, Hornos Caleros, 50, 05003, Avila, Spain.
² Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Engineering, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain.
³ Institute for Regional Development (IDR), University of Castilla La Mancha, Albacete, Spain.

Abstract

This paper presents a new method based on 3D reconstruction from images that demonstrates the utility and integration of close-range photogrammetry and computer vision as an efficient alternative to modelling complex objects and scenarios of forensic infography. The results obtained confirm the validity of the method compared to other existing alternatives as it guarantees the following: (i) flexibility, permitting work with any type of camera (calibrated and non-calibrated, smartphone or tablet) and image (visible, infrared, thermal, etc.); (ii) automation, allowing the reconstruction of three-dimensional scenarios in the absence of manual intervention, and (iii) high quality results, sometimes providing higher resolution than modern laser scanning systems. As a result, each ocular inspection of a crime scene with any camera performed by the scientific police can be transformed into a scaled 3d model.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Algorithms
Automation
Forensic Sciences / methods*
Humans
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
Lasers
Models, Theoretical*
Photogrammetry

Grants and funding

The authors received specific funding for this work. In particular the "Instituto de Ciencias de la Seguridad. Universidad de Salamanca (www.usal.es/~cise)" supported this work with a grant of 36000 Euros. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.