Case Study: 3D Application of the Anatomical Method of Forensic Facial Reconstruction

Abstract

This article reports on techniques used in forensic facial identification with a 3D modeling software system to create a virtual sculpture. In this forensic case study, Free Form Modeling SensAble Technologies and a haptic feedback Phantom® Desktop™ were used to reconstruct the facial features of the deceased from her skull. It was previously C-T scanned and then imported as an STL file under which the work was done. The advantages of the haptic feedback device is that the forensic specialist is able to “feel” the surface of the skull, not only to provide a more accurate assessment of the individual -such as their ancestry, sex and age determination-but also to visualize the process of the Manchester method of forensic facial reconstruction step by step.