Image processing and analysis in craniofacial identification

Some applications of image processing and analytical procedure in Identification are reported. The Image processing based on densitometric characteristics enables to encode each image in a series of numerical values which correspond to the grey levels present in the images. For this purpose we used a processor designed according to an analog filter architecture (V.A.U. 101 produced by Metamorphosis s.r.I. - Bari) which constitutes a unit of assistance in video observation, and which is continuously active, easy to handle, able to carry out real time procedures offering this way undoubted advantages in comparison with analogous devices based on digital techniques. The results of applications of these techniques in examining medical-forensic images, which are different for typology (radiographic images, dental elements, photography, ecc), are here reported. The processing permits, in addition toa n improvement of image definition, the spotting of significative structural elements for the aim of medical-forensic identification. Our superimposition method is able to evaluate by using strict standardization the congruency between skull (and dental) morphology and the photographs taken during life; numerical parameters obtained by analytical procedures allow us to express a final judgement regarding true or false comparisons.