Clemente Maia S. Fernandes
São Paulo State University, Brazil
Title: Forensic Facial Reconstruction – from traditional 2D to 3D digital techniques in scientific research: preliminary data for the creation of a rapid and practical protocol, aiming face recognition.
Biography
Biography: Clemente Maia S. Fernandes
Abstract
Forensic Facial Reconstruction (FFR) corresponds to the facial reconstruction of an individual, from an unidentified dry skull. Its objective is to to recreate the face of a subject from his/her skull. It is a recognition method, and not an identification method. It is a useful tool especially when there is no suspicion of the identity of a found body. Facial Reconstruction may be performed in two or three dimensions, made manually (sculpted on a replica of the skull) or by computer (digitally). Traditional methods employ manual techniques, both 2D and 3D. Digital methods use 2D manipulating software, and 3D manipulating software. Once performed, the FFR is divulgated in the media. The purpose of this divulgation is that someone recognizes the face as a dissapeared friend or relative. If, for example, four families recognize the face, there will be four suspects. The next step will be to ask for antemortem data of the suspects, in order to perform identification methods (as dental records or DNA). The authors present preliminary data concerning facial recognition of FFR performed with 2D digital technique, 3D manual and digital techniques. No matter the employed technique, it is important (indeed, it is the objective of the FFR) to have the face recognized, so it allows a posterior the positive identification.