NCJ Number
152071
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 39 Issue: 5 Dated: (September 1994) Pages: 1227-1236
Date Published
1994
Length
10 pages
Annotation
An image-related databased classification system was developed for shoe-sole pattern designs.
Abstract
Sole designs are stored with shoe information (brand name, size, style, material, etc.), pattern types, and certain features on shoe soles or in footwear impressions, and they are used as searching criteria. There are two different classification code systems in the database. Preliminary classification is a very broad classification, and it is meant for shoe-sole pattern designs and full shoe-sole impressions; its classification codes are based on defined basic shapes and certain principles that facilitate storing partial footwear impressions, shoe-sole designs that identify partial impressions, and the elimination of interpretation error while classifying. User-friendly software makes the classification easy and searches rapid and effective. Until now the system has been tested in laboratory conditions. It has recently been installed in a local police unit for pilot testing. According to the experiences collected, the feature classification seems to be flexible, because it permits a feature to be composed of the defined basic shapes and certain definitions. The user must only follow the simple principles and order of the coding while classifying. The classification could also be used both at a very accurate level and a lower level. Because the coding is started from the center of the feature outward, it is easy to find an agreement at the local level with sufficient accuracy. 6 figures and 5 references