Digital video image capture in establishing positive identification
Marks, MK
Department of Anthropology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville,TN.

Bennett, JL
Department of Anthropology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville,TN.

Wilson, OL
Department of General Dentistry, The University of Tennessee MedicalCenter, Knoxville, TN.


Abstract
Positive identification of skeletonized, decomposed, or disfigured victims lacking clinical records is a difficult endeavor. However, videotapes of family and social activities can be analyzed using the frame isolating technique of video image capture by inexpensive means. A rare skeletal Class III malocclusion and dental peculiarities in a decomposing 3-year old lacking a clinical history were compared to videotapes taken of a suspected victim shortly prior to her disappearance. Overlaying transparent dental tracings from digitized skeletal remains onto selected frames of the videotape (and reversing this process) produced the identification and hastened the entire investigation.

Keywords:
digital image capture, digital image processing, forensic odontology, forensic science, human identification, odontology, positive identification, video equipment, videocamera

Paper ID: JFS423970492

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Author Marks MK, Bennett JL, Wilson OL Title Digital video image capture in establishing positive identification Symposium , Committee on