NCJ Number
191474
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 46 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2001 Pages: 954-958
Editor(s)
Michael A. Peat Ph.D.
Date Published
July 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
In this case report, the digital enhancement software technique was used to enhance bitemark photographs for forensic image needs.
Abstract
The use of digital enhancement techniques has been embraced for the last 10 years in the improvement of poor quality and problematic images associated with forensic evidence. In recent years, digital enhancement has been applied to forensic image needs, such as shoeprint, footprint, tire mark, pattern evidence, and bitemark evidence. This case report reviewed the use of digital enhancement for improving the resolution of bitemark images. The software program used in this study and case applications was Lucis. To begin, the technique was applied on known bitemark images to evaluate the potential effectiveness of this enhancement method. Then, the Lucis software was used on two separate unsolved cases involving bitemark evidence. The first case involved an infant seriously beaten with a bitemark on the upper thigh, and the second case involved a bitemark on the breast of a female sexual assault victim. Results indicated that digital enhancement of bitemark inmages was found to be a valuable tool for an odontologist. This enhancement program was seen as capable of improving the image detail and contrast of a poorly photographed bitemark and the ability to conduct a meaningful bitemark comparison from a poor quality photograph. References