title: Digital imaging and image analysis applied to numerical applications in forensic hair examination.
abstract: A method that provides objective data to complement the hair analysts' microscopic observations, which is non-destructive, would be of obvious benefit in the forensic examination of hairs. This paper reports on the use of objective colour measurement and image analysis techniques of auto-montaged images. Brown Caucasian telogen scalp hairs were chosen as a stern test of the utility of these approaches. The results show the value of using auto-montaged images and the potential for the use of objective numerical measures of colour and pigmentation to complement microscopic observations.
authors.affiliation: Forensic and Data Centres, Australian Federal Police, Canberra, Australia. Elizabeth.Brooks@afp.gov.au
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Comber
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: McNaught
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Robertson
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000473:pathology*; D006200:Hair Color; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008853:Microscopy; D008954:Models, Biological; D012984:Software