2014
Thomas Matsudaira
Seattle, WA
To demonstrate the usefulness of comparing optical 3D scanned images of bullet and cartridge case marks in lieu of conventional comparison microscopy. EVOFINDER allows the viewing of reproducible markings not visible under the lighting commonly employed with a comparison microscope. Comparison of images captured by the system allowed "identification" of specimen pairs that previously resulted with inconclusive results when examined under a standard comparison microscope. The use of 3D technology may be the next need-to-have equipment for firearm identification work. This preliminary study raises the question, can the comparison of images on a 3D system replace the comparison microscope used today?